Key Takeaways
- You may be able to amend a previously filed tax return by filing a Form 1040-X. You don’t have to complete a new tax return. With Form 1040-X, you only update the numbers that will change.
- You can amend your taxes as long as your original tax return was prepared using Forms 1040, 1040-SR, 1040A, 1040EZ, 1040EZ-T, 1040NR, or 1040NR-EZ.
- You must file a separate Form 1040-X for each tax year you wish to amend.
- In addition to information from the original tax return you’re amending, you’ll need documentation that relates to your changes, such as proof of payment for a new deduction you’re claiming.
When you can file
You can amend your taxes as long as your original tax return was prepared using Forms
- 1040
- 1040-SR
- 1040A
- 1040EZ
- 1040EZ-T
- 1040NR
- 1040NR-EZ
If your changes affect more than one tax return, you must file a separate Form 1040-X for each tax year. Since it may be necessary to prepare additional forms or schedules, be sure you use the ones required for that specific tax year.
How you can benefit
When you use Form 1040-X to claim additional deductions or credits or to correct an error that reduces the amount of tax you owe for that year, the Form 1040-X serves as your formal claim for a refund. Additionally, many small business owners can use the form to carry back net operating losses that occur in one of the subsequent two tax years. The IRS notes that it takes approximately eight to twelve weeks to process amendments, so be on the lookout for your refund after this time.
TurboTax Tip:
You must amend a return within three years of the original filing deadline, or within two years of paying the tax for that year. If you got an extension and filed the original return after the deadline, then the three-year period begins on the date you filed it.
Information you need
The most helpful document you need when preparing Form 1040-X is a copy of the original tax return you’re amending. You can transfer some of the original information onto the amended tax return, such as
- Social Security numbers
- your filing status
- gross income
You also need any documentation that relates to your changes. This can be a number of items such as proof of payment for a new deduction you are claiming or an additional W-2 for additional income you need to report.
If you attached any schedules to the original return, you don't need to complete these again unless your amendments cause the numbers on it to change.
Time limitations for filing
The IRS limits the amount of time you have to file an amended tax return. For most taxpayers, it must be done either
- within three years of the original filing deadline
- within two years of actually paying the tax for that year
However, if you filed the original return after the deadline because you obtained an extension of time to file, then the three-year period begins on the date you actually filed it. Some people who are disabled or otherwise incapacitated may have more than three years, depending on the circumstances.
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