How to File an Amended Tax Return: A Detailed Guide
Amending your tax return can be a necessary step if you’ve made a mistake on your original return or if you’ve discovered additional income or deductions after filing. This guide will walk you through the process of filing an amended tax return step by step.
Understanding When You Need to File an Amended Return
Before you start the process of amending your tax return, it’s important to understand when you need to do so. Here are some common reasons why you might need to file an amended return:
- Mistakes on your original return, such as incorrect math or transposed numbers.
- Discovered additional income or deductions after you filed your original return.
- Changes in your filing status, such as getting married or divorced.
- New tax laws or regulations that affect your tax situation.
It’s important to note that you can only file an amended return for the previous year’s taxes. For example, if you’re filing your 2022 taxes, you can only file an amended return for your 2021 taxes.
Choosing the Right Form
When you’re ready to file an amended return, the first step is to choose the right form. The most common form used for amending tax returns is Form 1040X. Here’s how to determine if you need Form 1040X:
| Form 1040X | Use for |
|---|---|
| Form 1040X | Amending your individual income tax return for the previous year. |
| Form 1040X | Correcting errors on your original return. |
| Form 1040X | Reporting additional income or deductions. |
Form 1040X is available for free from the IRS website and can be downloaded and printed. You can also request a paper copy by calling the IRS at 1-800-829-3676.
Completing the Form
Once you have the correct form, it’s time to fill it out. Here are some tips for completing Form 1040X:
- Follow the instructions carefully. The form is designed to be easy to use, but it’s important to follow the instructions to ensure your amended return is processed correctly.
- Enter your Social Security number and the Social Security number of your spouse, if applicable.
- Enter the year you’re amending. This is the year for which you’re correcting your original return.
- Enter the form number you’re amending. This is the form number of your original return, such as Form 1040.
- Complete the appropriate sections of the form to correct your original return. This may include entering additional income, correcting deductions, or changing your filing status.
- Sign and date the form. If you’re married, both you and your spouse must sign the form.
Be sure to double-check your work to ensure you’ve entered all the correct information. Any mistakes on your amended return can delay the processing of your return.
Submitting Your Amended Return
Once you’ve completed Form 1040X, it’s time to submit it. Here’s how to do so:
- Mail your completed Form 1040X to the IRS. The address will depend on where you live. You can find the correct address on the IRS website or by calling the IRS at 1-800-829-3676.
- Do not staple your form. Use paperclips or a binder clip to keep your form together.
- Include any supporting documents, such as a copy of your original return or proof of additional income or deductions.
It’s important to note that you should not file your amended return electronically. The IRS does not accept electronic submissions for Form 1040X.
Tracking Your Amended Return
After you’ve submitted your amended return, you may want to track its progress. The IRS provides several ways to do this:
