How Long Do You Have to File an Amended Return
June 14th, 2009Many taxpayers discover some errors after they have filed their tax returns. If you discover an error after you have clicked the e-file submit button or your return has been mailed, you may need to file an amended tax return to correct the errors. Even if the IRS has already accepted your return, it does not mean they find no errors in your return. The IRS takes an awfully long time to check all returns and while they have accepted your return for now, they may send you a letter in the mail a year or even two years from that date asking you for more money because of your errors.
Do I always have to file an amended return to correct any errors made on my tax return?
The IRS service center may correct errors in math on a return and may accept returns with certain forms or schedules left out. In these instances, do not amend your return! However, do file an amended return if your filing status, your income, your deductions or credits were incorrect.
Do I use the same form to file an amended return if I filed Form 1040, 1040EZ, 1040A, etc?
Use Form 1040X (PDF), Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, to correct a previously filed:
- Form 1040 (PDF),
- Form 1040A (PDF),
- Form 1040EZ (PDF),
- Form 1040EZ-T,
- Form 1040NR (PDF), or
- Form 1040NR-EZ (PDF).
How long do you have to file an amended return?
This is a very commonly asked question. People usually do not want to get into trouble or have to pay penalties but they do not know how long they have before the IRS will start assessing penalties. Also everyone wants to get their money back from the IRS if they can. It is like claiming a rebate, they need to know how long they have before the rebate coupon expires.
Basically, if you are filing an amended return to claim an additional refund, wait until you have received your original refund (you may cash that check). This is the soonest you can file an amended return to claim more tax refund.
For those who would like to wait to the last minute, to claim the refund using an amended return, form 1040X must be filed within 3 years from the date of your original return or within 2 years from the date you paid the tax, whichever is later. Returns filed before the due date (without regard to extensions) are considered filed on the due date. This is the latest date that you can file your amended return and get your money back from the IRS.
On the other hand, to avoid penalty and interest, if you owe additional tax for a current year amended return, file Form 1040X and pay the tax by April 15 of the current year. If the due date falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, the due date is delayed until the next business day. Follow the tax form 1040X instructions.
If I have a refund check and I need to file an amended return, can I cash that check?
Yes.
I have errors to correct on multiple tax returns, can I file one amended return or do I need to file a separate amended return for each year that I am amending?
You need to file a separate Form 1040X for each year you are amending. Each amended tax return cannot even share an envelope so forget saving on postage cost and mail each form in a separate envelope. Be sure to enter the year of the return you are amending at the top of Form 1040X.
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Posted in General Tax, IRS, Income Tax, Personal Tax, Tax Credits, Tax Deduction Questions, Tax Deductions, Tax Forms, Tax Instructions, Tax Questions | 
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