Amended Tax Return: How to File and Track Form 1040-X
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An amended tax return corrects mistakes on a federal tax return. Taxpayers use IRS Form 1040-X to file an amended return. And if you're wondering, "Where's my amended return?" there's good news: You can track the progress on the IRS website or by calling the IRS.
Here's how to file an amended return with the IRS, when to amend a tax return and other rules you need to know.
How does an amended tax return work?
IRS Form 1040-X is the form you fill out to amend or correct a tax return. On that form, you show the IRS your changes to your tax return and the correct tax amount.
If you’re fixing more than one year of returns, you’ll need to fill out a separate Form 1040-X for each. You’ll also need to include forms or schedules affected by the changes.
If you're filing Form 1040-X to get money back, you generally need to do so within three years of filing your original return or within two years of paying the tax, whichever is later.
You might catch an error before the IRS does, or you might receive new tax documents after you’ve already filed — if your employer sends you a revised W-2, for example. In those cases, don’t fire off a letter to the IRS saying, “Forgot to include some income. Here’s 10 bucks" or "You owe me $50." Fill out Form 1040-X.
In 2020, the IRS began allowing taxpayers to file Form 1040-X electronically. This means you can file amended 1040 and 1040-SR forms for tax years 2019, 2020, 2021 (and beyond) online. If you need to file an amended return for an older return (2018 or earlier), the amended return must be filed with the IRS by mail.
You can file an amended tax return on your own
People with simple tax situations and small changes might be able to file an amended tax return on their own. Many major tax software packages include modules that will file an amended tax return. Many tax preparers are happy to file amended returns as well.
And note: Amending your federal tax return could mean having to amend your state tax return, too.
Ask if your preparer charges for an amended tax return
If you used a human tax preparer, don’t assume they will amend your tax return for free or pay the extra taxes, interest or penalties from a mistake. For example, if you forgot to give the preparer information or gave incorrect information, you’ll likely have to pay for the extra work.
If the error is the preparer’s fault, who pays for an amended tax return may depend on the wording in your client agreement.
Keep an eye on the calendar
Generally, the IRS audits only returns from the previous three tax years — though there are major exceptions. So although it might be tempting to wait and see if the IRS will catch you in an error, it might be cheaper to fess up sooner rather than later.
The IRS charges interest and penalties on outstanding tax liabilities going all the way back to the original due date of the tax payment. So the longer you wait to fix a mistake, the more expensive that mistake can get.
Where's my amended return?
Track the progress of your amended tax return using the IRS's online tracking tool. You can also the progress of your amended tax return by calling the IRS.
It can take three weeks for an amended return to show up in the IRS’s system and up to 16 weeks to process an amended return.
If nothing has happened after 16 weeks, call the IRS again (here's a list of IRS phone numbers) or ask someone at a local IRS office to research your amended return.
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