Do I need to amend my return?
Your e-filed return was accepted yesterday and today a W-2 or 1099 form that you forgot about arrives in the mail. Now you're wondering: Do I need to amend?
In this case, the answer is yes. The IRS says you should amend your return if any of these changed after you filed your return:
- Total income
- Earned income, such as additional W-2s, corrected W-2s or self-employment income reported on 1099-MISC;
- Retirement income, such as a 1099-R;
- Investment income, such as 1099-INT (interest), 1099-DIV (dividends) or 1099-B (stock sales).
- Deductions or credits that you forgot to claim (or that you did claim but later found out you weren't eligible for);
- Dependents that you could have claimed, but didn't (and vice-versa);
- A change in your filing status; for example, if you filed as Single but now want to file as Head of Household.
When you amend, you're changing or correcting an electronic return that's been accepted or a paper return that's already been mailed. If you're making changes to a return you haven't filed or sent yet, you're not amending. More info
You don't need to amend your return if you received an IRS notice only about math errors or if the IRS asks you for additional forms. Follow the IRS's instructions to submit the requested information. Also, do not amend only because you forgot to attach tax forms, such as W-2s or schedules. The IRS will request those, if needed.
