IRS Procedures: Amended Returns & Form 1040X
This is archived information that pertains only to the 2005 Tax Year. If you
are looking for information for the current tax year, go to the Tax Prep Help Area.
What should I do if I made a mistake on my federal return that I
have already filed?
It depends on the type of mistake that was made. Many mathematical errors
are caught in the processing of the tax return itself. If you did not attach
a required schedule the service will contact you and ask for the missing information.
If you did not report all your income or did not claim a credit, you are
entitled to file an amended or corrected return using Form 1040X (PDF), Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return. Include
copies of any schedules that have been changed or any Form W-2 (PDF) you did not include. The Form 1040X (PDF) should
be submitted after you receive your refund or by the due date of the return,
whichever, is earlier. Generally, to claim a refund, the Form 1040X (PDF) must be received within three years after the date you filed
your original return or within two years after the date you paid the tax,
whichever is later.
I received a refund that is more than I should have received because
I've discovered I made a mistake on my return. I have not yet cashed this
check. What should I do now?
Many mistakes are corrected in processing and a letter of explanation is
mailed at the time the refund is issued. If the mistake was not corrected
in processing, you need to file an amended or corrected return using Form 1040X (PDF), Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax
Return, as soon as possible. Include copies of any schedules that have
been changed or any Form W-2 (PDF) you did not include.
If you return the refund check with a letter of explanation, a refund in the
correct amount will be issued when the amended return processes.
How do I fill out the amended return Form 1040X?
Form 1040X (PDF), Amended U.S. Individual
Income Tax Return, is designed with three columns. Column A is used to
show the figures from the original return. However, if you previously amended
that return or it was changed by the IRS, enter the adjusted amounts. Column
C is used to show the correct figures. The difference between the figures
in Columns A and C is shown in Column B. On the back of the form you need
to explain the specific changes being made on the return and the reason for
each change. If the changes involve another schedule or form, attach it to Form 1040X (PDF). Be sure to enter the year of the return
you are amending at the top of the form as required.
Can you send an amended tax return electronically?
No, an amended return must be filed on a paper Form 1040X (PDF), Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, and mailed
to your servicing center for processing. You may submit the form once your
original return has processed.
How can I correct a mistake on my federal e-file return?
Once accepted, you must allow the e-file return to process before making
any changes. You cannot correct a mistake on a federal return which was filed
electronically. You need to file an amended or corrected return using Form 1040X (PDF), Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax
Return, as soon as possible. Include copies of any schedules that have
been changed or any Form W-2 (PDF) you did not include.
The Form 1040X (PDF) is a paper form.
How can I check the status of my amended return?
You will need to contact our assistance line at (800) 829-1040 to receive
information on the processing of your amended return. Amended/corrected returns
are processed as quickly as possible. However, it could take 8 to 12 weeks
to process an amended return.
If I call the automated tax line or access "Where's my Refund" to
check the status of a refund on an amended return, do I enter the total amount
of my original refund, or only the amended amount?
You cannot check the status of a refund for an amended return on the automated
tax line or by accessing "Where's my Refund". Amended/corrected returns are
processed as quickly as possible. However, it may take 8 to 12 weeks or longer
to process the return. If 8 weeks have elapsed and you have not received your
refund, call (800) 829-1040.
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