Tips for Amending a Tax Return

Taxpayers who discover they made mistakes or omissions on their tax return can correct them by filing an amended tax return. Arkansas Asset Builders may be able to help you file an amended return, whether or not you filed your original return with us. Those who need to amend should remember these tips:

• Amend to correct errors. File an amended tax return to correct errors or make changes to an original tax return; for example, taxpayers should amend to change their filing status or to correct their income, deductions or credits.
• Don’t amend for math errors or missing forms. Taxpayers generally don’t need to file an amended return to correct math errors on their original return. The IRS will automatically correct these items. In addition, you don’t need to file an amended return if you forgot to attach tax forms to your original return, such as a Form W-2 or a schedule. The IRS will mail a request to you, if needed.
• Identify the correct tax year that you are amending. Taxpayers who are amending more than one tax return must file an amended return for each tax year.
• File within three-year time limit. Taxpayers usually have three years from the date they filed the original tax return to file an amended return to claim a refund. Taxpayers can file it within two years from the date they paid the tax, if that date is later.
• Choose how you want to file your amended return. Returns for tax year 2019 or later can be filed electronically, but you must use the same service provider who filed your original return. For example, if you filed your own return online and need to amend it, you will only be able to e-file your amended return through the same website (and it may require an additional fee). If you’re amending a return prior to 2019 or if you choose not to use the same service provider as the original return, you will need to mail Form 1040X to the IRS at the address for your state listed in the form’s instructions.
• Sign your amended return and submit all required documents. Taxpayers who use other IRS forms or schedules to make changes must attach them to the Form 1040X if filing by mail. If filing multiple amended returns, send documents for each year in a separate envelope. All required forms will be included automatically if you e-file your amended return.
• Wait until your original return is processed before amending. Taxpayers who are due refunds from their original return should wait to get the refund before filing Form 1040X to claim an additional refund. You can check the status of your original return using ‘Where’s My Refund?‘ on the IRS website.
• Pay additional tax. Taxpayers who will owe more tax with their amended return should pay the tax as soon as possible to avoid penalties and interest. You should consider using IRS Direct Pay to pay any tax directly from a checking or savings account at no cost.
• Track amended return. Generally, taxpayers can track the status of their amended tax return beginning three weeks after they file using ‘Where’s My Amended Return?’ on the IRS website. This tool can track the status of an amended return for the current year and up to three previous years. Taxpayers who have filed amended returns for multiple years can check each year, one at a time. Amended returns may take up to 6 months for the IRS to process.

If you would like help preparing an amended return, please contact us by phone or email to schedule an appointment with a certified volunteer tax preparer. If you did not originally file your return with us, you will need to bring a complete copy of the original return and all supporting documents (W-2s, 1099s, etc.) in order for us to prepare the amended return.