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Ten Facts about Filing an Amended Tax Return



Dawood Munir, Houston

Do you know that you can file an amended tax return if you have made a mistake on your original return? Here are the top ten things to know about filing an amended tax return.

  • An amended return must be filed on paper; it cannot be e-filed. Use Form 1040X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, to correct errors on your tax return. See Form 1040X instructions for detail and the address where you should mail your form.
  • You should file an amended tax return to correct errors or make changes to your original tax return. For example, you should amend to change your filing status, or to correct your income, deductions or credits.
  • Normally, an amended return is not needed to correct any mathematical errors or if you forgot to attach tax forms such as a W-2 or a schedule. The IRS will automatically make corrections and send you a request to provide any missing forms.
  • Most taxpayers don’t need to amend to correct Form 1095-A, Health Insurance Marketplace Statement, errors. Eligible taxpayers who filed a 2014 tax return and claimed a premium tax credit using incorrect information from either the federally-facilitated or a state-based Health Insurance Marketplace, generally do not have to file an amended return regardless of the nature of the error, even if additional taxes would be owed. The IRS may contact you to ask for a copy of your corrected Form 1095-A to verify the information.
  • Form 1040X can usually be filed within three years from the date of the original tax return filing to claim a refund or within two years from the date you paid the tax. See the 1040X instructions for special rules that apply to certain claims.
  • Form 1040X for each year should be mailed in separate envelopes. Note the tax year for the amended return at the top of Form 1040X. Check the form’s instructions for where to mail the amended return.
  • Any other IRS forms or schedules used to make changes should be attached to the Form 1040X.
  • Wait to receive any refund due from original return before filing Form 1040X to claim an additional refund. Amended returns take up to 16 weeks to process. Original refund can be spent while waiting for any additional refund.
  • If more tax is owed, file Form 1040X and pay the tax as soon as possible in order to reduce any interest and penalties. Use IRS Direct Pay to pay your tax directly from your checking or savings account.
  • You can track the status of your amended tax return three weeks after you file using the online tool at ‘Where’s My Amended Return?’ or by phone at 866-464-2050. To check the status of the amended tax return, taxpayer identification number—which is usually the Social Security number—date of birth, and zip code are required.

Additional IRS Resources


Source: www.irs.gov