You have many options on how to fix a mistake on your tax return depending on whether you received a notice and the kind of mistake you made.
If you realize there was a mistake on your return, you can amend it using Form 1040-X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return.
For example, a change to your filing status, income, deductions, credits, or tax liability means you need to amend your return. Or, IRS may have made an adjustment to your return, and sent you a notice that you disagree with. If so, you would file an amended return to change the amounts adjusted by IRS.
You can also amend your return to claim a carryback due to a loss or unused credit. In this case, you may be able to use Form 1045, Application for Tentative Refund instead of Form 1040-X, which will generally result in a quicker refund.
These time limits are automatically extended, allowing for more time to file an amended return.
When you file Form 1040-X for a tax year, it becomes your new tax return for that year. It changes your original return to include new information.
Beginning in February 2023 , if you file your 2021 or later Form 10 40-X electronically, you can get your refund by direct deposit into either a checking or savings account. You still have the option to submit a paper version of Form 1040-X and receive a paper check.
After filing your tax return, you realize there was a mistake, but you haven’t received an IRS notice
If the due date for filing your tax return has passed, you can submit an amended tax return to correct most mistakes.
If you need to amend your 2020, 2021 and 2022 Forms 1040 or 1040-SR you can do so electronically using available tax software products. You should contact your preferred tax software provider to verify their participation and for specific instructions needed to submit your amended return and to answer any questions. Amended returns for other years must be filed by paper.
If you realize you made a mistake but the due date for filing hasn’t passed, don’t file an amended tax return. Instead, file another original tax return with your correct information.
You got an IRS notice about the IRS auditing your tax return
The IRS performs audits by mail or in person. The notice will have specific information on how you should proceed.
You got an IRS notice saying there was incorrect information on your tax return
This often happens before the tax return is fully processed – the IRS is giving you a chance to make a correction. The notice should explain the issue and how to respond to the IRS. See Incorrect Tax Returns for more information.
Note: If the change described in the IRS notice is different from what you think is incorrect, make sure you address both changes in your response.
The IRS made changes to your tax return, but now you have new information
If the IRS made changes to your tax return during processing, you can submit an amended tax return.
If the IRS made changes to the tax return because of an audit or an IRS assessment, you may need to request an audit reconsideration.
You didn’t file a tax return, but later realize you need to file one
Maybe you didn’t think you needed to file a tax return, but later got some new information that means you should file (like receiving a late Form 1099).
If you’re not sure if you need to file a tax return, try IRS Do I Need to File a Return tool.
If the IRS hasn’t sent you a notice about filing a tax return and you need to file one, go ahead and electronically file it if it’s for one of the three tax years before the current tax year. If the tax return is for a tax year older than that, then it has to be mailed to the IRS.
Note: Be sure to use the correct forms and mail it to the right IRS address for the specific tax year you need to file.
You didn’t file a tax return, and got an IRS notice stating that you needed to file
If you didn’t file a tax return by the due date, but IRS records show that you should have, you may get an IRS notice. You’ll either need to reply to the IRS and explain why you don’t need to file or submit your tax return.
If you don’t respond to the IRS’s notice, the IRS may file a tax return for you, called a Substitute for Return. If it does file a tax return for you and you disagree with the information the IRS used, you’ll need to follow audit reconsideration steps to correct it.
You just need to change your address
There are several ways to change your address – IRS.gov’s Address Changes page lists all available options.
Amended return status
You can check the status of your amended return using the Where’s My Amended Return? (WMAR) online tool or the toll-free telephone number 866-464-2050 three weeks after you file your amended return. Both tools are available in English and Spanish and track the status of amended returns for the current year and up to three prior years.
Please keep in mind that due to Coronavirus processing delays, amended returns may take longer than three weeks to appear in IRS’ system and up to 20 weeks to process. Before that time, there’s no need to call IRS unless the tool specifically tells you to do so. Do not file a second amended return.
