How do i check on my tax amendment

An amended tax return corrects mistakes on a federal tax return. Here's how to file a Form 1040-X with the IRS, when to amend a tax return and other rules you need to know.

What is an amended tax return?

IRS Form 1040-X, also known as an amended tax return, is a form that taxpayers can file with the IRS to correct mistakes made on a federal tax return. The form is typically used to reconcile errors concerning filing status, income, deductions or credits claimed or tax liability.[0]

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.

The IRS also has an interview-style tool that can help you to determine whether your situation requires filing an amended return.

In 2020, the IRS began allowing taxpayers to file Form 1040-X electronically. This means you can file an amended 1040 and 1040-SR form 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?

• It can take three weeks for an amended return to show up in the IRS’s system and more than 20 weeks to process an amended return. [0]

• If nothing has happened after 20 weeks, check the online tracking tool, call the IRS or ask someone at a local IRS office to research your amended return.

  You do not need to file a 1040-X if your original return contains math errors or is simply missing forms, such as a W-2. The IRS will usually correct and notify you about math errors and will notify you if it's missing any forms.

  3. Amended return timing

  If the correction results in you owing money, file as soon as possible so you can minimize any penalties or interest that might be incurred. Although the IRS appreciates when taxpayers file an amended return to correct a mistake, they can still assess a penalty or charge interest for not paying the proper amount when the taxes were originally due.

  If the correction results in a tax refund and you haven't received it yet, wait to file the amended return until after you've received it to avoid complications. But keep in mind that there is a time limit for filing an amended return resulting in a refund. You must file it within three years after you filed the original return, or within two years after you paid any tax due from that return—whichever is later.

  4. Preparing an amended return

  To complete a Form 1040-X, you'll need:

  • A copy of the original tax return that's being amended
  • W-2s
  • Schedules
  • Worksheets
  • Corrected information and calculations
  • Any forms needed to support corrections

  However, you should not include the original return with the 1040-X.

  Note: Beginning in 2020 you can file a 1040-X electronically but only for tax year 2019 and later and only if you electronically filed the original return. For earlier tax years an amended returns has to be filed on paper.

  5. Stating the reason for the amended return

  Form 1040-X, Part III, asks you to explain in your own words why you are amending the return. This explanation should describe the specific corrections you're making and can be very brief. Reasons might include:

  • You forgot to claim the Child Tax Credit.
  • You received another, or corrected, W-2 form.
  • You forgot to deduct a charitable donation.

  6. But now I owe money

  If you owe money as a result of the correction, you should include a check or money order with your 1040-X submission. You can pay the balance you owe online, using Direct Pay or the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS). If you can't pay right now, file the amended return and apply for an IRS Installment Plan.

  7. Mailing instructions for paper-filed amended returns

  Each tax return you are amending requires its own Form 1040-X mailed in a separate envelope. Mail the completed form to the appropriate address listed in the Form 1040-X instructions.

  8. After you mail the 1040-X

  It takes about 16 weeks for the IRS to process an amended return. You can check its status on the IRS website after three weeks, or by calling the automated toll-free number 866-464-2050.

  9. Check the status of your amended return

  Use the IRS's new tool Where's My Amended Return to check on the status of your Form 1040-X.

  10. Amending your state tax return

  After submitting Form 1040-X, check to see if your state tax form also needs to be amended. If so, obtain the proper form from your state's tax agency and use the information on the federal 1040-X to help you fill it out. Be sure to attach a copy of your 1040-X to your state amended return.

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