How to File an Amended Tax Return

Mistakes can happen when you’re filing your taxes, but you can easily make updates to your return with the correct form. Learn which errors require an amendment and how to submit an amended tax return.​

What is an amended tax return?

If you find a mistake on your tax return after you've filed it, you may need to fix the error by filing an amended tax return. IRS Form 1040X is used to make corrections to any 1040, 1040A, 1040EZ, 1040NR, or 1040NR-EZ return that has already been filed.

How to file an amended federal tax return with TaxSlayer​

If you think you need to make a correction on a return you already filed, wait until it has been accepted by the IRS before completing your amendment. Then, you will follow these steps.
  • Log in to your TaxSlayer account.
  • Select E-file in the main navigation menu. Then, select the Amended Return menu item that appears below it. You'll start your amended return from there.
  • Provide an explanation. Was there a mistake? Did you get a new form? Tell the IRS why you are submitting an amended return.
  • Once you complete your amended return, choose how you want to file. The IRS accepts amended returns that are filed electronically or by mail. You'll be asked to choose a filing method. The next step will depend on which one you selected.

To e-file your amended return: Follow our step-by-step instructions to electronically submit your amended return to the IRS.​

If you choose to mail your amended return: Create and print a PDF of your amended return, including the amended Form (1040X for the Federal) and a copy of any forms that were changed or affected. Be sure to sign your amended return, too. Simple mistakes like a forgotten signature will slow down the processing time.​

Once you have printed, reviewed, and attached all necessary forms to your amended federal return, mail it to the Internal Revenue Service Center for the state that you live in.

Note: Any amended state returns must be filed and sent by mail separately. Find out where to send your amended state return.

Reasons you might need to file an amended tax return

Filing an amended return is right to do when:

  • You realize you owe more than what you paid for taxes this year
  • The amount of earned income you reported isn't correct
  • You chose the wrong filing status for your return
  • You did not claim the correct number of dependents
  • You discovered a credit or a deduction you should have claimed
  • You received a form – like a 1099 – after you had already submitted your return

Did you make a simple math mistake? In that case, you probably don't need to file an amended return. Those types of errors are automatically corrected by the IRS.

When to file an amended tax return

If you’ve determined that you do need to file an amended return, you can submit your Form 1040X anytime. You don’t need to wait—and in fact, if you are claiming a refund, you’ll need to file the amendment within three years after the date you filed the original return. ​

Don’t forget these things when filing an amended return​

  • Include any related schedules or forms. If you corrected entries that require a schedule, you need to prepare a new schedule and submit it with the Form 1040X.
  • Sign your 1040X. Forgetting to sign your amended return could cause a delay in processing.
  • Check your state return. Do you need to file an amended state income tax return, too?

It will take the IRS twelve weeks or so to process your federal amended return. Your state’s processing time may be shorter or longer.

Filing an amended state tax return

There is a good chance that the changes you make to your federal return will also affect your state return. Most states calculate taxable income based on information you provide on your federal return. For this reason, you may need to amend your state income tax return, too.

See instructions for filing an amended state return.

How to check the status of an amended tax return

You can check the status of your amended return for the current tax year and up to three prior tax years at Where's My Amended Return?. This is a free online tool provided by the IRS. You can also try calling the IRS at 866-464-2050, but it’s important to wait at least three weeks after you submit your amended return to call.

How far back can you amend a tax return?

Returns for any tax year can be amended. If you are owed a refund, you’ll need to submit your amended return within three years after you filed the original return to get your money back from the IRS. If you’ll owe taxes, file your Form 1040X and make your payment as soon as you can. This will stop interest and penalties from adding up.​

Should I amend my tax return for a small amount?

The IRS will often find and correct certain filing errors during processing. But if there's a change in your filing status, income, deductions, credits, or the amount of tax you owe, you should amend your tax return. See the complete list of reasons to file an amended return outlined above.​

How long does an amended tax return take?

The IRS doesn’t say for certain how long it will take to process amended returns. It could be several weeks or even months, depending on the tax year. You can check on the status of your amended return as early as three weeks after it’s been submitted. Simply go to Where's My Amended Return? on the IRS website.​

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