How to File an Amended Return With the IRS
If you’ve made an error on a tax return you already filed or simply come across new information, such as a tax deduction or credit you now realize you qualify for, file an amended tax return to make the correction. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) knows the tax code is complex, and that people make mistakes. The process for filing an amendment is straightforward. We will file Form 1040X, Amended Tax Return, along with the corrected or additional documents you did not originally file with your return.
- Existing TaxNFS customers who need to file an amended return to correct an error can do so for a fee of $69.95.
- The $69.95 fee applies whether the amended return is only for a federal tax return, a state tax return, or for both.
- After you complete your federal tax return, your information will automatically create the needed state tax return(s) based on any income you might’ve received from those states.
- Answer a few simple questions related to your state and you’re done. If you need more than one state, click on States in the left menu to add more.
- The additional state fee is only $19.95, which covers as many states as you need to prepare and e-file.
- Please note: an amended tax return cannot be e-filed. It must be
printed, signed, and mailed to the IRS or state authority.
. In most cases, you have three years from the original return’s filing deadline to submit an amended tax return.
Step 1: Collect your documents
Gather your original return and all new documents. You will need to reference your original tax return and any documentation that relates to your amendment such as proof of a new deduction you are claiming or a W-2 you didn’t have when preparing the original return. If you are missing a W-2, you can file a Form 4852 and have the IRS issue a W-2 replacement as long as your employer provided the IRS with this information.
- Q – Do I need to file an amended tax return?
A – You only need to file an amended tax return if the original return that was accepted by the IRS and/or State needs to be changed.
Example # 1: You filed your 1040 to the IRS and it was accepted. The next week you receive another W-2 in the mail. The only way for you to update the originally accepted 1040 with the IRS is to AMEND that tax return and add the income.
Example # 2: You filed your 1040 to the IRS claiming yourself as an exemption and that return was accepted. You later find that your parents were needing to claim you as a dependent on their tax return. The only way for them to be able to claim your exemption now is if you AMEND your return and choose not to claim your self exemption.
- Q – Can amended returns be e-filed?
A – Amended returns cannot be e-filed. Even if they are amended in the current filing year the only way to amend a tax return is to mail the forms to the IRS for paper processing.
- Q – How long do I have to file an amended return?
A – You have 3 years to file an amended tax return.
Example: You just e-filed your 2011 tax return and realize you did not claim a credit on your 2007 tax return. You can still amend that 2007 tax return however, you can only amend that return if it is mailed BY April 15, 2011. If it was your 2006 tax return that you forgot to claim the credit on, you would be unable to file that amended return. It has been longer than 3 years.
- Q – How long does it take for an amended return to be processed?A – An amended return takes 8 to 12 weeks to process by the IRS.
Q – How can I check the status of my amended return?
- A – You must make direct contact with the IRS on the processing of your amended return. On-Line Taxes, Inc. will have no information on the processing of your amended tax return. You may contact the IRS at (800)-829-1040 to check on the processing of your amended return. The IRS processes amended returns as quickly as possible however it may take 8 to 12 weeks for that amended return to be processed.
Q – How do I amend my State tax return?
- A – To amend your State tax return with On-Line Taxes, Inc. first, the Federal return would need to be amended. If the values do not affect the refund or amount due for your Federal return then you do not have to mail the forms to the IRS however, you must still finish this process in order for the inputs/changes to pull forward to your state return. Once you continue through the end of your Federal amended return, we will take you back to the Tax Return Status page. In this page you may now select to AMEND MY RETURN in your State information. Save through and make any changes needed for your state return. Print all the forms and mail them to your state for processing.
Send the IRS your amended return. Before mailing your return to the IRS, double check that you’ve attached all necessary forms and supporting documents. In the event your amendment results in a higher tax bill, you should include the additional tax payment with the return. By making a payment, you can minimize the amount of interest and penalties you may be subject to since technically, you are making a late payment of tax. It takes the IRS eight to twelve weeks to process your amendment, so give it some time before you contact them regarding your amended return.
If you have any further questions, you may contact ourCustomer Service for assistance.