How to File an Amended Tax Return – IRS Form 1040X

No one ever said that preparing tax returns would be easy. In fact, many tax professionals make errors on returns all the time. Some of these errors can be inconsequential but some of them could lead to steep ramifications. Rest assured; it’s not hopeless. The IRS allows for corrections of your returns should something go wrong in tax preparation.

While the option to submit an amended tax return is available, it’s not as easy as writing the IRS a letter and asking them to make a change. Important details about the process must not be ignored. Contact a tax professional to help with amended returns whenever possible. An individual with training and experience is much more likely to resolve the issue once and for all, avoiding costly issues down the line.

Should you find it necessary to file an Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return (IRS Form 1040X) on your own, there are a few things you should know.

When to file an amended return

The need to supply the IRS with additional forms that you should have, but did not, include in your original return does not constitute an error. The IRS will send you a request for these forms if they need them. Until then, no action is necessary on your part. Filing amended returns would not be appropriate or recommended in this circumstance. Also, if the error that needs to be corrected is mathematical, there’s no need to file an amended return. The IRS will make the correction for you.

An amended return is necessary for errors in deductions or credits, income, or filing status.

E-File an amended return?

E-filing is not available for amended returns. All amended returns must be on a Form 1040X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, and filed on paper. The Form 1040X must be filed within three years from the file date of the original tax return or within two years of the date that the tax was paid (whichever is later.)

What to include

Be sure to include the year of the return that you are amending at the top of the form. If you are amending multiple tax returns, a separate Form 1040X must be filed for each year and mailed to the IRS in separate envelopes. Be sure to attach all forms relevant to your tax returns with the Form 1040X.

What about my refund?

If you expect to get an additional refund from your amended return, then it is best to wait until the refund from your original return is received before sending the IRS your Form 1040X. If you will owe the IRS tax once the amended returns are processed, send payment with your Form 1040X or at least as soon as possible to avoid as much interest and penalties as possible.

Once you send in the Form 1040X it will take up to 12 weeks to process.

Get Help

Before tackling the daunting task of filing your own amended returns, contact Tax Champions for advice and guidance. The phone call and initial consultation are free. We’ll be happy to listen to the details of your situation and go over the steps you need to take. Our tax professionals have over 30 years of experience with the IRS and our perfect rating of A+ at the Better Business Bureau is a testament to our commitment to customer service. In 30 years of business we’ve never had a complaint or even an unhappy client.

Contact us 24 hours a day, seven days a week. No need to wait for normal business hours to relieve your stress. We have arranged our schedules so that a member of our staff is available to answer your questions at any time. At Tax Champions, we’re here for you, whenever you’re ready, to help resolve your tax issue.

Tax Champions Free Consultation

Call us or complete our contact form and schedule a confidential consultation to discuss your installment plan options. We can help you settle your back taxes, remove IRS Liens and levies, wage garnishments, and finally get rid of your IRS stress. Our free consultation is your first step to tax relief and resolution of your IRS problems.

Our clients come to us from all over the United States owing the IRS as little as $10,000 to well over $1 million. In most cases, we are able to completely resolve the matter to the satisfaction of the IRS and our client. In some instances we will advise potential clients how to do the work themselves when appropriate. What we require from our clients is the desire to resolve their problems with the IRS and with their installment plan in place, go on to be in full compliance. Hear it for yourself in the testimonials of our clients.