How to Fix Errors Made on Your Tax Return
If you discover an error after you file your tax return, you can correct it by amending your return. Here are 10 tips from the Internal Revenue Service about amending your federal tax return:
When to amend a return.
Generally, you should file an amended return if your filing status, number of dependents, total income, tax deductions or tax credits were reported incorrectly or omitted. Additional reasons for amending a return are listed in the instructions.
When NOT to amend a return.
In some cases, you do not need to amend your tax return. The IRS usually corrects math errors or requests missing forms – such as Forms W-2 or schedules – when processing an original return. In these instances, do not amend your return.
Form to use.
Use Form 1040X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, to amend a previously filed Form 1040, 1040A, 1040EZ, 1040NR or 1040NR-EZ. Make sure you check the box for the year of the return you are amending on the Form 1040X. An amended tax return cannot be filed electronically.
Multiple amended returns.
If you are amending more than one year’s tax return, prepare a separate 1040X for each return and mail them in separate envelopes to the appropriate IRS processing center (see “Where to File” in the instructions for Form 1040X).
Form 1040X.
The Form 1040X has three columns. Column A shows original figures from the original return. Column B shown the changes you are making. Column C shows the corrected figures. There is an area on the back of the form to explain the specific changes and the reasons for the changes.
Other forms or schedules.
If the changes involve other schedules or forms, attach them to the Form 1040X. Failure to do this will cause a delay in processing.
Additional refund.
If you are amending your return to get an additional refund, wait until you have received your original refund before filing Form 1040X. You may cash that check while waiting for any additional refund.
Additional tax.
If you owe additional tax, you should file Form 1040X and pay the tax as soon as possible to limit interest and penalty charges.
When to file.
Generally, to claim a refund, you must file Form 1040X within three years from the date you filed your original tax return or within two years from the date you paid the tax, whichever is later.
Processing time.
Normal processing time for amended returns is 8 to 12 weeks.
You got your Refund, Now What?
You got your Refund, Now What? Tax Day has come and gone and now many Americans are anxiously awaiting their refunds. While a vast majority of Americans have already received their state and federal income tax refunds (with the exceptions being those that were late filers). With that extra cash now padding their pockets it’s…
Don’t Confuse Fact With Fiction Come Tax Time
Don’t Confuse Fact With Fiction Come Tax Time Are you one of the tens of millions of people who have already done their taxes? Or, are you one of those taxpayers that like to wait till the very end? Either way, there are some important facts to keep in mind, whether for this year, or…
Is Cryptocurrency Just a Big Pyramid Scheme?
Is Cryptocurrency Just a Big Pyramid Scheme? So what’s new in the world of cryptocurrency? That all depends on the day. In fact, sometimes things can change hourly with digital currencies. Just do a quick Google search and chances are you’ll find all kinds of stories about crypto. For example, we just did that very…
IRS Looking Closely at Coinbase Accounts for Tax Dodgers
IRS Looking Closely at Coinbase Accounts for Tax Dodgers Cryptocurrency owners with Coinbase accounts beware. If you hadn’t already heard by now, then consider this your fair warning. The IRS is coming after Coinbase accounts in search of possible tax cheats. Coinbase is the largest U.S. platform for exchanging cryptocurrency, including Bitcoin, with close to…