Oh no! You found a mistake on your tax return!
Maybe you missed including some income. Maybe you forgot to write off a deduction. Maybe you used the wrong filing status.
Whatever the reason, don’t panic. All you must do is file an amended tax return using Form 1040X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return.
Luckily, starting with 2019’s tax returns, you can file amendments electronically.
Unluckily, pre-2019 tax returns still can’t be amended online. You need to print them out and snail-mail them in. If you’re mailing them, make sure to attach any supplemental forms and documents (ie: forgotten W2s, updated itemized deductions, etc) to the 1040X. If you’re amending multiple years’ returns at once, file a separate 1040X for each year. If the IRS requests you file an amended tax return, there should be a mailing address on the notice.
Here are some tips about filing amended tax returns:
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- You normally don’t need to amend a return for math errors. The IRS makes these changes for you.
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- Don’t file an amendment because you forgot to add documents (like W2s). Wait until you get a letter from the IRS requesting them.
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- If you need to fix your return to get more of a refund, WAIT UNTIL YOU GET THE ORIGINAL REFUND FIRST. Amended returns take up to 16 weeks to process and you can cash your original check while you’re waiting on the additional amount.
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- If you owe money, PAY ASAP! Still file your 1040X, but if you have to mail in your amendment, pay what you owe electronically using IRS Direct Pay. Paying electronically is faster which will minimize any interest and penalties you’ll owe.
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- You have 3 years from when you filed your return (or 2 from when you paid the tax) to amend a return. There are sometimes special circumstances, but you’ll need to talk to a tax professional for specific exceptions.
- Once you file your amended return you can track it using the Where’s My Amended Return page on the IRS website.