Amended Returns Tax Returns

If you discover an error after your return has been filed, you may need to amend your return.

The IRS may correct errors in math on a return and may accept returns with certain forms or schedules left out.

You should file an amended return if there is a change in your filing status, income, deductions, or credits.

Also, if the Form 8938 (PDF), Statement of Specified Foreign Financial Assets, applies to you, the form must be filed with an annual return or an amended return.

See When and How To File in the Form 8938 Instructions (PDF).

Use Form 1040X

Use Form 1040X (PDF), Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, to correct a previously filed Form 1040 (PDF), Form 1040A (PDF), Form 1040EZ (PDF), Form 1040NR (PDF), or Form 1040NR-EZ (PDF).

If you owe additional tax for a tax year for which the due date for filing the return has not passed, file Form 1040X and pay the tax by the due date for that year (without regard to any extension of time to file) to avoid penalties and interest.

If the due date falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, filing the form and paying the tax will be timely if filed or paid the next business day.

To determine where you should file Form 1040X, see Where To File in the Form 1040X Instructions (PDF).or call us today.

File a separate Form 1040X for each year you are amending.

Mail each form in a separate envelope.

Be sure to enter the year of the return you are amending at the top of Form 1040X.

The form has three columns. Column A shows original or adjusted figures from the original return.

• Column C shows the corrected figures.
• The difference between Columns A and C is shown in Column B.
• There is an area on the back of the form to explain the specific changes being made and the reason for each change. Attach any forms or schedules that are affected by the change.

Attach copies of any forms or schedules that are being changed as a result of the amendment, including any Form(s) W-2 received after the original return was filed.
Tax forms can be obtained by calling 800-829-3676 or visiting www.irs.gov.

An amended tax return cannot be filed electronically under the e-file system.

Normal processing time for Forms 1040X is up to 12 weeks from the IRS receipt date.

Please note:

Your state tax liability may be affected by a change made on your federal return. For information on how to correct your state tax return, contact your state tax agency.

Check the status of your Form 1040X

You can check the status of your Form 1040X (PDF), Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, using the “Where’s My Amended Return?” (WMAR) online tool or the toll-free telephone number 866-464-2050 three weeks after you file your amended return. Both tools are available in English and Spanish and track the status of amended returns for the current year and up to three prior years.

You must enter your taxpayer identification number, usually your social security number, date of birth, and ZIP code in either application to prove your identity. Once authenticated, you can view the status of your amended return across three processing stages–Received, Adjusted and Completed.