File Form 1040X to Amend a Tax Return

Mistakes happen and tax returns are no exception. Filing an amended tax return corrects information that changes tax calculations. See below for tips on filing a Form 1040X to amend your tax return.

1. File using paper form. Taxpayers can’t file amended returns electronically. Mail the Form 1040X to the address listed in the form’s instructions. 
2. Taxpayers amending tax returns for more than one year will need a separate 1040X for each tax year. Mail each tax year’s Form 1040X in separate envelopes. See "Where to File" in the instructions for Form 1040X for the correct address. 
3. Taxpayers should wait for the refund from their original tax return before filing an amended return. It is okay to cash the refund check from the original return before receiving any additional refund. Amended returns can take up to 16 weeks to process. 
4. Generally, to claim a refund, taxpayers must file a Form 1040X within three years from the date they timely filed their original tax return or within two years from the date the person pays the tax, whichever is later.
5. Taxpayers should amend a tax return to correct their filing status, the number of dependents or total income. They should also amend to claim deductions or credits not claimed or to remove deductions and credits they are not entitled to on the original return.
6. Taxpayers should not worry about math errors because the IRS will make the correction. Taxpayers do not need to amend their return if they forgot to include a required form or schedule. The IRS will mail a request to the taxpayer, if needed. 
7. Taxpayers can track the status of an amended return three weeks after filing. Go to “Where’s My Amended Return?” or call 866-464-2050.

Please call us at 610-353-0686 or visit www.newtownsquaretaxservice.com to set up a consult so we can answer any questions you may have!