If you discover an error after filing your return, you may need to amend your return. The IRS may correct mathematical, clerical errors on a return and may accept returns without certain required forms or schedules. In these instances, there's no need to amend your return. However, do file an amended return if there's a change in your filing status, income, deductions, credits or tax liability. Use Form 1040-X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return to correct a previously filed Form 1040, Form 1040-SR, Form 1040A, Form 1040EZ, Form 1040-NR, Form 1040-NR-EZ, or to change amounts previously adjusted by the IRS. You can also use Form 1040-X to make a claim for a carryback due to a loss or unused credit; however, you may also be able to use Form 1045, Application for Tentative Refund instead of Form 1040-X. Also, if the Form 8938, Statement of Specified Foreign Financial Assets applies to you, file it with an annual return or an amended return. See the Instructions for Form 8938 for more information. Balance Due If you owe additional tax, and the due date for filing that tax return hasn't passed, you can avoid penalties and interest if you file Form 1040-X and pay the tax by the filing due date for that year (without regard to any extension of time to file). If the filing due date falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, your amended return is timely if filed or paid the next business day. If you file after the due date, don't include any interest or penalties on Form 1040-X; they will be adjusted accordingly. When to File Generally, to claim a refund, you must file Form 1040-X within 3 years after the date you filed your original return or within 2 years after the date you paid the tax, whichever is later. Returns filed before the due date (without regard to extensions) are considered filed on the due date, and withholding is deemed to be tax paid on the due date. Special rules apply for refund claims relating to net operating losses, foreign tax credits, bad debts, and other issues. For more information, refer to the Instructions for Form 1040-X. Where to File You can now submit Form 1040-X, Amended U.S Individual Income Tax Return electronically using available tax software products. Only tax year 2019 Forms 1040 and 1040-SR returns can be amended electronically. Please see IR-2020-107 and IR -2020-182 for additional information. You still have the option to submit a paper version of the Form 1040-X and should follow the instructions for preparing and submitting the paper form. Check "Where To File" in the Instructions for Form 1040-X for the address to mail your amended return. Form 1040-X Preparation File a separate Form 1040-X for each tax year you're amending. For paper Form 1040-X, mail each form to the IRS in a separate envelope. Be sure to enter the year of the return you're amending at the top of Form 1040-X. The form has three columns: Column A shows original figures (the original return) or adjusted figures (prior amendments or exam changes). Column C shows the corrected figures (what they should be). Column B is the difference between Columns A and C. There's an area on the back of the form to explain the specific changes you're making and the reason for each change. When filing by paper, attach copies of any forms or schedules affected by the change, including any Form(s) W-2 received after the original filing. You should also attach Form(s) W-2G and 1099 that support changes made on the return if there was income tax withheld. See the Instructions for Form 1040-X for complete instructions. When filing electronically, both the electronic Form 1040 and 1040-SR amended returns (with attached Form 1040-X) will require submission of ALL necessary forms and schedules as if it were the original Form 1040 or 1040-SR submission, even though some forms may have no adjustments. Amended Return Status You can check the status of your paper or electronically-filed amended 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 tool to prove your identity. Once you authenticate, the web tool shows an illustrated graphic to visually communicate the status of your amended return within the processing stages: Received, Adjusted, or Completed. As a reminder, amended returns take up to 16 weeks to process and up to three weeks from the date of mailing to show up in our system. Before that time, there's no need to call the IRS unless the tool specifically tells you to do so. State Tax Returns A change made on your federal return may affect your state tax liability. For information on how to correct your state tax return, contact your state tax agency. Additional Information For more information, refer to the Should I File an Amended Return?, the Instructions for Form 1040-X and "What If I Made a Mistake?" in Chapter 1 of Publication 17, Your Federal Income Tax for Individuals.
