Correcting tax returns, if you made a mistake or forgot to file (2024)

FAQs

Correcting tax returns, if you made a mistake or forgot to file? ›

If you need to make a change or adjustment on a return already filed, you can file an amended return. Use Form 1040-X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, and follow the instructions.

If you need to make a change or adjustment on a return already filed, you can file an amended return. Use Form 1040-X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, and follow the instructions.

To Correct a Tax Return Mistake, File an Amendment

If you are claiming a refund, the deadline for filing an amended return is generally three years after the date filed or the original deadline, or two years after taxes were paid for that year – whichever is later.

° When NOT to amend a 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.

Often, the IRS will recalculate your tax return by including the missing income and determining the amount of tax they think that you owe. This can include penalties and interest. If you realize that you didn't include some income on your tax return, you can file an amended return that includes the missing information.

Does the IRS Check Every Tax Return? The IRS does not check every tax return; in fact, it does not check the majority of them; however, the IRS implements methods that track certain factors that would result in a further examination or audit by them.

To amend a return, file Form 1040-X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return. You can use tax software to electronically file your 1040-X online. Submit all the same forms and schedules as you did when you filed your original Form 1040 even if you don't have adjustments on them.

You cannot go to jail for making a mistake or filing your tax return incorrectly. However, if your taxes are wrong by design and you intentionally leave off items that should be included, the IRS can look at that action as fraudulent, and a criminal suit can be instituted against you.

It does not cost anything to fill in and mail a tax amendment.

You typically must file an amended return within three years from the original filing deadline, or within two years of paying the tax due for that year, if that date is later.

Is amending a tax return bad? ›

Don't underestimate the benefits of filing an amended return, either. By making sure your tax return is accurate, you can maximize your refund or lower what you owe. You'll also reduce the risk of receiving a notice or IRS audit in the future.

We may be able to remove or reduce some penalties if you acted in good faith and can show reasonable cause for why you weren't able to meet your tax obligations. By law we cannot remove or reduce interest unless the penalty is removed or reduced.

The IRS manages audits either by mail or through an in-person interview to review your records. The interview may be at an IRS office (office audit) or at the taxpayer's home, place of business, or accountant's office (field audit).

If you want to make changes after the original tax return has been filed, you must file an amended tax return using a special form called the 1040-X, entering the corrected information and explaining why you are changing what was reported on your original return.

Amended return status

You should generally allow 8 to 12 weeks for your Form 1040-X to be processed.

If you need to make a correction on a current or prior year tax return, and you have not received a notice from the IRS about it yet, if it is before the current year filing date: you can file another original tax return with your correct information. However, the IRS may find those errors and send you a notice.

5% of the amount due: From the original due date of your tax return.

Maybe you found a tax form behind your desk or maybe you receive an adjustment to a 1099 form from your bank – whatever the reason for having new information, you can generally go back three years to file an amended tax return in order to claim a credit or refund.

An IRS notice may alert you to a mistake on your tax return or that it's being audited. You can verify the information that was processed by the IRS by viewing a transcript of the return to compare it to the return you may have signed or approved.