10 Tips on Filing an Amended Tax Return

Do you need to make corrections or change information on a tax return that’s already been filed? Don’t worry; you can do this easily by filing an amended tax return. This year you can use the new IRS tool, ‘Where’s My Amended Return?’ to track the status of your amended tax return.

Here are 10 tips you should know about filing an amended tax return:

1. Use Form 1040X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, to file an amended tax return. An amended return cannot be e-filed. You must file it on paper and mail it in.
2. You should consider filing an amended tax return if there is a change in your filing status, income, deductions or credits.
3. You normally do not need to file an amended return to correct math errors. The IRS will automatically make those changes for you.
4. Generally, you must file Form 1040X within three years from the date you filed your original tax return or within two years of the date you paid the tax, whichever is later.
5. If you are amending more than one tax return, prepare a 1040X for each return and mail them to the IRS in separate envelopes. You will find the appropriate IRS address to mail your return to in the Form 1040X instructions.
6. If your changes involve the need for another schedule or form, you must attach that schedule or form to the amended return.
7. If you are filing an amended tax return to claim an additional refund, wait until you have received your original tax refund before filing Form 1040X. You may cash your original refund check while waiting for the additional refund.
8. If you owe additional taxes with Form 1040X, file it and pay the tax as soon as possible to minimize interest and penalties.
9. You can track the status of your amended tax return three weeks after you file with the IRS’s new tool called, ‘Where’s My Amended Return?’ The automated tool is available on IRS.gov and by phone at 866-464-2050. You can track the status of your amended return for the current year and up to three prior years.
10. Always be sure to mail the amended returns as certified mail and request a return receipt! Amended returns take up to 12 weeks to process, so be patient when waiting for any refund you may be owed.