When you have a tax “oops” you fix it by filing an Amended Tax Return, form 1040X.
Mistakes happen. You file your return and later get a W2 in the mail for a job you had forgotten about. Maybe your investment firm sent you an amended 1099 because your interest income they reported was wrong. Or maybe you were talking to a friend and learned about a deduction that you should have been claiming for the past three years and you’d like a refund. What do you do?
It’s easy, you need to file an amended return, the form is called a 1040X and you can find it on the IRS website: http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1040x.pdf.
An amended return can’t be filed electronically like a regular return. You must mail it in and it’s going to take about 12 weeks to process. That’s a bummer if you’re expecting a refund, but that’s the way it works. If your regular return had a refund, make sure you wait until you’ve received the first refund before you file the amended return. (If they start processing the amended return before your original refund gets paid, it can mess up you getting the original refund. You don’t want that to happen now do you?)
If you have more than one tax return that needs to be amended, you must file separate returns for each year and mail them in separate envelopes. For example, say you found out that you had missed a $1000 deduction on your Schedule A every year and you’re in the 25% tax bracket. You can’t just put $3000 on this year’s return for a $750 refund. You’ll have to amend 2010, 2009, and 2008 separately and you’ll receive three checks for $250 each. It’s too late now to claim a refund that should have gone on 2007.
When you amend your tax return, you’ll have to send in the schedules of anything that changed. In the example above, the thing that changed was on the schedule A, so that form would also have to be attached. Don’t attach any forms that didn’t change. Warning: for many folks, a change in one part of your tax return can cause a change somewhere else-most notably on your schedule A. Before you actually mail anything in, go over it carefully to see if you have any unexpected changes.
When you file a 1040X, make sure you check the box for the tax year that you’re amending. That’s a pretty common mistake. The IRS can’t process the return if they don’t know what year it’s for.
When not to file an amended return: You don’t need to file an amended return for a basic math mistake. The IRS will automatically fix that for you. You also don’t need to file an amended return if your original was missing a schedule. That’s where you get a letter from the IRS saying that you claimed something on your return but that you’re missing the supporting documents. A common example of that would be a capital gain of $2000 on your return, but there’s no schedule D to back it up. You don’t need to amend the return, just mail them the schedule D. The IRS will ask you for whatever schedule they’re looking for, you won’t have to guess at what’s missing.
I’ve talked a lot about filing an amended return because of a refund. Sometimes when you file an amended return you’re going to owe. If you have a balance due, mail the payment check with your 1040X. The IRS will probably send you a bill for interest and maybe even penalties depending upon how much you owed. Be prepared for that.
Often times, people are thinking about filing amended returns because they received an IRS letter. Sometimes, you don’t need to amend, just pay the tax. Sometimes, you really need to amend because you shouldn’t have to pay the tax but you need to submit more information. Sometimes, you don’t need to amend and you don’t need to pay the tax—the IRS made a mistake and they just need to have it pointed out to them. Before you start writing that check, get a professional opinion–you want to pay your fair share, not more than you owe.
Hi Alex,
your return has already been accepted, so it won’t be rejected. You should amend, and pay back the $400. I recommend doing it before April 15th.
Hi Jan,
I filed my taxes yesterday and were accepted by the IRS, just not approved yet. I realized I made a mistake
on my American Opportunities Credit (Paying for school books, supplies, etc) accidentally over-inflating it.
When lowered to the proper amount spent- I believe I should be getting about 400 dollars less on my return. Do you believe an error like this will cause a rejection and audit, or will I just need to file an amended return?
Thank you
Hi Mary,
If the audit started before you filed the amendment, the IRS may decide to continue with the audit anyway if there is anything else worth auditing on the return. If the only issue was your niece – that will probably end the audit. You should contact the auditor about what will happen next.
I can’t tell if your brother will be audited or not. The question would be – who has the legal right to claim the child? If he’s not entitled to claim her – then he could be audited as well.
Hi Tim,
I don’t know. You’ll have to talk to the IRS. Sorry.
Hi Dulce,
I’m surprised that your return, which was filed first, was rejected, and your son’s which was filed after 2/21 wasn’t. Something doesn’t sound right. But – if your return was rejected, your son needs to file an amended return – which is what I think you meant was filed.
It takes time to process amended returns. Your tax preparer is waiting for your son’s return to be processed so he can e-file again. I get that. But it might make more sense for you to paper file your return and attach a copy of your son’s amended return to it.
Maybe let your person refile on March 3 – and if it gets rejected again, then paper file.
Hi Blanca,
If the IRS is mailing you a check, it might hurt. If you have direct deposit, there won’t be a problem at all. I’d keep an eye on the “where’s my refund” app on the IRS website. Keep your eyes open for your check. If you don’t get it within a reasonable amount of time after it’s been issued, I’d contact the IRS about it.
Hi Brittany,
This is another one – I had to amend when it won’t change your taxes, but I’m worried about you getting a letter. Shouldn’t Jackson Hewitt fix it for you?
Hi Tanisha,
Hmmm. Usually I wouldn’t amend a return that won’t change the taxes, but I’d be worried about this one coming back on you. It may not hold up your taxes, but I would send in an amended return to show that you had an actual care provider.
Hi Elisa,
Have him file his amendment right now. You may need to paper file and send a copy of his amended return with yours. You can stall and see if his amended return is processed by April 15th if you want to efile. But if his amended return isn’t processed by April 15th, just mail your return in with a copy of his amended return attached to it
Hi David,
As soon as you get your refund, you need to amend your return and correct the mistake. Now if I were to file your taxes based on your pay stub, it would be considered a crime. For you, it’s just a mistake. But do fix it.
Hi Jen,
Okay, first – you will probably receive your refund on time. Personally, I would not file the amended return until you receive the refund. Then file the 1040X and pay the extra that you owe. I don’t think the 1099C will hold up your refund.
My taxes we’re accepted i claimed 2 kids I’ve already received my state I filed with turbo tax but when I signed in it just says take action call this number I called and not even they can tell me why my taxes hasn’t got approved what’s the hold up I’ve never had this happen
I filed my taxes 1/7/17 claimed my two children. However my son worked for three months made less 3000. My son for the first time filled on 2/22/17 and advised the tax person that I have claimed my son on my returns. This person submitted my son claiming himself. Now my return has been rejected. The corporate where we did our taxes never called with the mistake I notice the mistake. I called the office and went the next day to submit an amendment return. I mailed the return 2/24/17. Till this date nothing is showing up at wheres my amendment return. I did called the amendment phone number and they said that my return will continue be rejected if is sent efile my return must be mailed by paper. I did explained this to the local office and they said they will resubmit March 3. They did as me if only the error was claiming himself it will be ok. What should I do.
hi i filed my taxes and I notice i Made a mistake in my address instead of meadow brook I put meadowbook would my refund be delayed because of that
Hey Jackson and Hewitt filed my taxes, they put I had I insurance through the entire year but I didn’t Jan thru April 2016. Do I need to amend it? I qualify for the exemption anyway bc I didn’t make enough money last year. So is it something I need to change or will the IRS just automatically change it to the exemption??
Hi,
Great informative article. I have a question. I paper filed my tax return on 2/3, which i hate that my Accountant doesn’t do electronic filing. Just yesterday 2/21 i get a 1099-c on the mail. I went into panic mode thinking my refund would be held which i desperately need. The 1099-c was a creditor from my Bankruptcy which i found out taxes cannot be listed as income on discharged debts. My concern is my Accountant said i needed to file an amended return because i will get a letter from the IRS and they will hold my refund. He said most of the time they do not start processing amended returns till August, and then my refund would take another 6-9 weeks after that. I never cried soo hard because of needing this money badly and then having to wait till Sept and possibly October. Will the IRS hold my refund till i amend due to the late 1099? Companies should be fined for sending these out past Jan 31.
I filed my return and accidentally put my sons socual security number as my care providers social. How can i fix this? Will this hold up my taxes or would i have to amend first? It has slready been accepted by the irs.
Hi Jan
My son efiled his taxes yesterday but answered the question “if anyone can claim him ” and he answered no. But I’m the parent and able to to still claim him. He did his tax return himself and worked per time earning 4500 for 2016. And he’s 23 years old. So when he told me he did his own return we discovered he answered no.
It shows it’s been accepted so will he need to wait for his refund before he amends ? And how long do I need to wait before I can do my tax return.
Hello i filed my taxes and used a last paystub well i was off i said i made a 1000 dollars more than i really did by mistake will this mess me up big time?
Hi, if I was audited for claiming my niece and I filled a Amendment already to remove her how long will it take ? And can my brother add her since he is her father and will he be audited as well ?
Hi Lynn,
First, I would call your local HR Block office and ask them to fix it. If they are not responsive, then you can call the 1-800-HRBLOCK number. Now, I know that number is a bit of a run-around, but hang on until you get a human. When Block makes a mistake, they should be good about fixing the problem. If your local office won’t help, a little pressure from corporate headquarters should do the trick.
If that doesn’t help, you may be able to call your state department of revenue yourself. You shouldn’t have to run around for this, you should be able to do it all over the phone. Good luck.
Hi Darshane,
You should amend your return. If you don’t, eventually you will get a letter from the IRS, probably correcting the tax you owe. I would think you’ve pay less tax fixing it yourself (and writing off your deductions.)
Hi Sally,
I’m not sure I understood your question. You filed a tax return for your dependent, and now you want to claim her? If you filed her as single with zero exemptions, then you’re fine – you just claim her and you do nothing to her return. If you had her claim herself, then you amend your return to zero exemptions.
At least, I think that’s what you’re asking. If that wasn’t the question, I apologize.
Hi Lynn,
If your return gets rejected, then just correct the EIN and resubmit. If the return goes through, just make a note in your file in case you get a letter. But I would not submit an amended return, it won’t change your tax. It’s only a problem if you get a letter – which is why I say to keep a note in your file. I’m guessing you’ll never hear a thing about it.
I filed my return with hr block.the preparer put the wrong town on paperwork causing my CT tax refund being withheld.the state sent a letter which went to wrong address.what can I do to correct this.ivam handicapped and can’t run around
Filed wages on w2 box instead of filing it as a 1099 what happens now?
What do I do when I accidentally filed tax for my dependent who is earning less then $6300 and want to take their earning out and just want to claim them as dependent? Do I just file 1040X as you said? Or is it a different matter?
Thank you Jan in advance!
I may have entered the wrong EIN for my childcare facility. Will that cause me issues or can I be approved then ammend with the correct EIN?
Hi James,
It’s more likely that your return is being held up due to the EIC, child tax credit or College tax credit than anything else. No refunds for returns with any of those credits are being paid before February 15th. I wouldn’t send the 1040X until they’ve actually processed your refund.
Hi John,
First step is to adjust your withholding. If you owe over $9,000, you may need to claim zero and maybe even have some extra taken out of your check. You can’t go back and change what happened for 2016, so you’ll just have to pay the tax. If you don’t have the money, you can go online and do an installment agreement. But if you can pay it now, it’s better to be done with it.
Hi Sandra,
it depends upon your state. File your state return based upon the amended federal return since you haven’t filed the state return yet.
Hi, I made an mistake and filed a 2106, for expenses related to my job, but I realized that I put I was a local government employees but I am not. My return has been held for 16 days so far and I have 1040x form ready (my mistake gave 60 extra dollars) my concern is whether or not it will trigger an audit, I have always used standard deductions.
Hi Ashley,
I’m sensing a problem but not the one you expect. What is your real relationship to the child. You say she is your child – but if she’s your child – why are you calling her your niece? Or foster child? Where is the real parent? You really need to get your ducks in a row on this. Find a reputable preparer and find out what you can or cannot do. If it is illegal for you to claim the child, amend those returns before the IRS amends them for you.
Hi Amanda,
The ID is not part of the tax return. Some states are requiring the ID though. Either the return is going to go through, or it will get rejected because of the ID issue. If it gets rejected, I’d just fix it and resend. If it goes through, then I guess it went through. There’s nothing else to do.
Hi Sassy,
It’s weird that they accepted your return with the wrong social, but I have seen it happen before. If the IRS accepted your return this year with no problem, I’d just leave it. If you get a letter, then write back with an explanation about the typo.
Hi i just noticed a typo error on last year 2016 returns one of dependant social last four digits where entered wrong i did receive my refubd last year but i entered it correctly this year and irs sent a email confirmation that they received my 2017. Will this be an issue how do i fix this error from last year
My taxpreparer selected my child as foster child last year and I’m just noticing it this year so I corrected it to niece. Will this affect my refund? Will it cause any problems?
I lost my Id and did my own taxes so at the end it asked me for my id number which I did have but I put the wrong issue date and expiration date whats gonna happen?
I just realized I’ve made a mistake on my w4 by putting 3 allowances instead of 0. I’m in the process of doing my taxes and it says I owe $9960. I just caught the mistake now I even went back to look at my previous w2 from 2015 and it says 3 allowances and I never realized it till now. What should I do?
Hi, i claimed my state refund twice as income. Didn’t catch it til i filed. I sent in an amended tax form.Just getting more back. How will this affect my filing of my state taxes, since the AGI that was filed is the wrong amount.I haven’t filed my state yet.
Hi Lamikia,
Hmmmm. Sounds fishy but – maybe she didn’t send it off in the first place and you caught the mistake before it actually got sent? Or maybe it got rejected the first time and when you discovered the missing child she was able to add her before re-sending? I can see some possible situations.
To the best of my knowledge, you still are required to mail 1040X returns (that’s the amended form.) I’ve heard they are going to change that, but I don’t think you can e-file a 1040X yet.
My tax preparer didn’t put one of my dependents on my tax refund and she said she resent it off and it came back as it accepted can she really do that
Hi Michelle,
I’m kind of surprised that your return got accepted with the wrong birth date on it. But, I’m always getting surprised. Anyway, the birthday for your daughter will not change your tax return so there is not need to amend. If you do get a follow up letter from the IRS, you’ll just have to explain the typo, but I’m betting that you won’t even get one.
Hi, I made a typo on one of my daughters date of birth. Instead of inputting 5/29 I typed in 5/09. Should I file an amendment? I filed through Turbo Tax and was send an email saying my return was accepted by the IRS but on the IRS site it only says Received. Anyone out there have some advise for me?
Hi Cathy,
If you genuinely qualify for for the head of household filling status you can amend your tax return. But first, run the numbers and see if it makes a difference – sometimes, changing your filing status doesn’t change your refund. If that’s the case, then don’t bother to amend. There’s no harm done if it doesn’t change your refund.
I efiled my 2016 taxes but put single instead of head of household. What can I do to fix it?
Hi Tricia,
Your W4 tells your employer how much to withhold. Head of household fling status is a lower tax rate than the single tax rate. The worst that can happen is that you didn’t withhold enough money for your taxes and you might owe come April. So do your taxes as soon as possible to figure out how much you owe (if at all), and start saving if you need to. But it’s not like you did something horrible. It was just an honest mistake. Don’t worry about it.
On my w4 I accidentally selected filing single and also head of household , and didn’t realize it til now, I’m not head of household, but am single
I do not work at the job I had when I filled that out, I’m freaking out, because I don’t want to get into trouble, how do I fix this? I live in Washington state
Hi Jessica,
If you have a refund coming from Maryland, you will only receive the refund for 2012. The other returns are out of statute. Usually, a state will approve your amended return if the federal government accepts your changes. And, for what it’s worth, I have never seen a state return a payment that was made with an amended return with a note saying “Oh, we don’t have proof from the IRS that this is right.” I have, on the other hand, had clients get letters from states going the other way – “The IRS hasn’t approved your amended return, so until they do – you still owe us the money!”
So, will they take your federal taxes? You mean if you’re getting a refund? It depends. If there is a lien against the taxes, then yes, they will. If there is no lien, then they won’t.
Hi Janelle,
I’m guessing that you own a small business and are either taking a home office deduction or talking about your office rent? If you used the wrong number and it makes a difference on your taxes, then yes, you should amend.