Amending Your Income Tax Return
What if you've sent in your income tax return and then discover you made a mistake? You can make things right by filing an amended tax return using Form 1040-X. You can make changes to a tax return to capture a tax break you missed the first time around or to correct an error that might increase your tax.
Key Takeaways
- To amend your federal income tax return, you'll need to use Form 1040-X, which allows you to correct errors or claim missed tax breaks from your original return.
- To claim a refund for a previous tax year, you’re typically required to file an amended return within three years of the original filing date or within two years of the date you paid the tax, whichever is later.
- Not all tax software supports e-filing of amended returns for years other than the current one, so you might need to prepare a paper return and mail it to the IRS.
- When amending a state tax return, you'll typically need to fill out a special state form, often with an "X" suffix, and attach a copy of your amended federal return if required by your state.
Can I change my federal income tax return?
Once you have dropped your original income tax return in the mailbox or sent it off electronically, you can no longer change that return. (One exception: If your e-filed tax return is rejected, you can make changes before sending it in again.)
If you want to make changes after the original tax return has been filed, you must file an amended tax return using a special form called the 1040-X, entering the corrected information and explaining why you are changing what was reported on your original return. You don't have to redo your entire return, either. Just show the necessary changes and adjust your tax liability accordingly.
You generally must file an amended return within three years of the date you filed the original return or within two years after the date you paid the tax, whichever is later if you are attempting to get a refund.
Can I use tax preparation software to amend my return?
Yes. TurboTax walks you step-by-step through amending your federal income tax return.
TurboTax Tip:
The IRS allows you to e-file amended returns for the current tax year and the two prior tax years if your original return was also e-filed. For older tax years, you'll need to file by mail.
Can I e-file a Form 1040-X?
Yes, the IRS began accepting e-filed amended returns for 2019 and later tax years. However, for an amended return to be electronically filed, your originally filed tax return has to have been electronically filed as well.
The IRS system typically allows you to e-file amended returns for the current tax year and the two prior tax years. Amended returns for year prior to this time period cannot be e-filed. You will need to file these amended returns for older year by printing and sending them in by mail.
Not all tax software providers support electronically filing amended returns for other than the current year. If not then you will need to file your amended on paper and mail it to the IRS.
How do I amend my state tax return?
You can amend your state tax return in two simple steps:
- First, fill out an amended federal income tax return, Form 1040-X.
- Second, get the proper form from your state and use the information from Form 1040-X to help you fill it out.
Like the IRS, states typically use a special form for an amended return. Many states also use the X suffix for the form number. Some states allow you to e-file amended returns while others require that you file a paper return.
For example, California uses Schedule X. Other states do not. The Hawaii form, for example, is Schedule AMD.
Don't forget to attach a copy of your amended federal return (Form 1040-X) to your amended state return, if the state requires it, as is usually the case.
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