How can I amend a previously filed tax return?

Amending a Previously Filed Tax Return

Process for Amending an Individual Tax Return

1. Determine the Need for an Amendment

  - If you discover an error after filing your return, you may need to amend your return. This is necessary if there's a change in your filing status, income, deductions, credits, or tax liability.

2. Use Form 1040-X

  - File Form 1040-X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, to correct a previously filed Form 1040-series return or to change amounts previously adjusted by the IRS.

  - You can electronically file Form 1040-X for quicker delivery of your refund by selecting direct deposit and entering your banking information.

  - For paper submissions, follow the instructions for preparing and submitting Form 1040-X.

3. Time Limits for Filing an Amended Return

  - 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.

  - Special rules apply for refund claims relating to net operating losses, foreign tax credits, bad debts, and other issues.

4. Tracking Your Amended Return

  - Use the "Where's My Amended Return?" online tool or call the toll-free telephone number 866-464-2050 three weeks after you file your amended return to track its status.

Process for Amending a Business Tax Return

1. Determine the Need for an Amendment

  - Similar to individual returns, a business may need to amend its return if there are changes to income, deductions, credits, or tax liability.

2. Use the Appropriate Forms

  - For corporations, use Form 1120-X if available, or the designated "X" form corresponding to the specific business tax return that was filed.

  - For employment taxes, use the 94X-X series forms to correct errors on a previously filed employment tax return.

3. Superseding vs. Amended Returns

  - A superseding return is filed within the original filing period and replaces the original return.

  - An amended return is filed after the original filing period has expired.

4. Electronic Filing

  - If the business was required to e-file the original return, the amended or superseding return must also be e-filed, unless the tax year is no longer available on the Modernized e-File (MeF) system.

5. Time Limits and Special Considerations

  - The general time limits for claiming a refund also apply to business tax returns.

  - Certain conditions such as carrybacks may require different forms or procedures.

6. Tracking and Additional Information

  - Businesses can check the status of an amended return using the same methods available to individuals.

  - For specific instructions and FAQs, businesses can refer to the IRS website or the instructions for the relevant tax forms.

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Sources:

Topic no. 308, Amended returns | Internal Revenue Service 2024-08-04

Amended return frequently asked questions | Internal Revenue Service 2024-08-02

Streamlined filing compliance procedures | Internal Revenue Service 2024-08-03

Instructions for Form 1040-X (02/2024) | Internal Revenue Service 2024-07-30

Publication 5884, Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and CHIPS Act of 2022 (CHIPS 2024-08-03

Correcting employment taxes | Internal Revenue Service 2024-08-03

File an amended return | Internal Revenue Service 2024-08-04

Frequently asked questions on estate taxes | Internal Revenue Service 2024-08-04

Amended and superseding corporate returns | Internal Revenue Service 2024-08-03

Amending a Tax Return | Taxpayer Advocate Service 2024-08-03