It can happen to us.You think you're done with your taxes, and then you get a tax form in the mail, with information you should have included on your return, as you celebrate getting them done early.Or you notice a mistake while flipping through your return.An amended tax return can be filed to correct all of these errors.The IRS will fix typos and mathematical errors if you use this form to do so.You don't need to file a tax return if you want to make changes to your income, deductions, or credits.
Step 1: You can get a copy of the original tax return.
If you want to amend your tax return, you'll need at least one copy of the original form.You can work with a digital copy, but it might be easier if you print it out.You can usually get copies of previous years' returns from your account if you originally filed your taxes using an online service.You can get a transcript if you don't have a copy of the tax return.The "Tax Return Transcript" provides all the information you need to fill out the tax return.
Step 2: The form can be downloaded from the website.
You can download Form 1040-X and its instructions from the IRS website.Before you start filling out the form, try to read through the instructions as best you can.Special circumstances and reasons for amending a return are included in the instructions.Don't worry about what you read not applying to your situation.
Step 3: You can find tax forms on the IRS website.
You can find a search box in the upper right-hand corner of the IRS website.The year of the original return you want to amend should be followed by the words "tax forms for".You will get the forms that were valid that year.To fill out the form, you'll need a blank copy of the tax return and instructions.
Step 4: The amended information should be completed with the blank return.
The correct information from your original return can be found on the blank return.You can change the lines by filling in the correct information.Information you change will likely cause more changes.If your employer sent you an amended W-2 you would see a change in your income and tax liability.Make a clean copy of the blank return and write "Amended Return" at the top of it.You can use the other copy as your work copy.If you highlight the numbers you changed on your work copy, you can easily find and transfer the information to Form 1040-X.
Step 5: You can fill in personal information on the form.
The box next to the year of the tax return you're amending is at the very top of Form 1040-X.Write it in next to "Other year" if the year isn't provided.You need to fill out your name, address, and Social Security number.If you're married, include your spouse's name and Social Security number.
Step 6: You can choose the filing status.
Even if you're not changing anything, you have to fill out this part of the form.You need to check one box for your filing status.The same box you checked on your original return if you're not changing your filing status as part of your amendments.If you want to change your filing status, you can check a different box.You can explain this in a different way.You can't change to married filing separately after the due date for the original return if you are married and originally filed a joint return.
Step 7: You can find the lines that correspond to what you need.
Your original tax form has a specific line on it.The information on the line will be the same if you want to amend it.If you highlighted the changes on your amended return, you don't have to worry about leaving something off.
Step 8: Only amended items require you to enter your information in all 3 columns.
Go to your original return and write down the value you provided for the items you need to change in Column A of the appropriate line.Write the amended value in Column C and the difference between Column A and Column B.Put a negative sign in front of the number if the amended value is lower than the original value.If you got an amended W-2 from your employer showing that your income was actually $18,250, you would put $18,000 in Column A, $250 inColumn B, and $18,750 in column C.
Step 9: Tell us about the changes you made in Part III.
Tell us about the changes that you made.If you made more than one change, write a separate explanation.Attach tax documents that relate to those changes to the form."Amended income to reflect amended W-2 received after I had already filed my return" is how you might write it.Attach a copy of the amended W-2 to the form.
Step 10: Attach the documents to the front of the form.
The phrase "Attachment Sequence No" can be found in the upper-right corner of each form.followed by a number.Order your amended tax return with the numbers in order.If you had to make changes to other schedules as a result of the changes you made, arrange them behind the form they relate to.You would order the schedules behind the amended return if you have one.You don't need schedules that have changed.If you had schedules with your original return but nothing changed, you don't need to include them in your Form 1040-X.Unless you're amending your return in response to a letter from the IRS, you don't need to include a copy of your original return.You do not need to include a copy of the letter.
Step 11: The form and attachment should be sent to the correct address.
You will not be able to file form 1040-X online in 2020.There are 5 different addresses listed in the instructions.Where you live affects the address you use.You can use any of the above methods to mail in your form.The private delivery services are approved by the IRS.If you are using a private delivery service, you should use the address listed at the IRS website.
Step 12: You can check the status of your return online after 3 weeks.
It takes at least 3 weeks for the amended return to show up in the IRS system.Get the latest information at theirs.gov/Wheres-my-amended-return after that.To check your return's status, enter your Social Security number, date of birth, and ZIP code.You can check the status of your return by calling.It's an automated line, you just enter your information.It can take up to 16 weeks for the IRS to process an amended return.