Fix Your Tax Return With Form 1040X

IRS Tax Form 1040X is the Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return. It is designed for taxpayers who need to correct mistakes made on Tax Form 1040, Tax Form 1040A, Tax Form 1040EZ, Tax Form 1040NR, or Tax Form 1040NR-EZ. To make a revision to your already-filed tax return, you’ll need to submit Form 1040X as well as a new completed tax return (Form 1040, etc.).

You must file a Form 1040X amendment if you need to do any of the following:

• Correct your filing status (which could result in a larger refund)
• Add or remove dependents
• Report additional income (from a Form W-2, Form 1099, or other income statement)
• Report additional withholding (from a W-2 or Form 1099)
• Make changes to your tax deductions (including above-the-line deductions, itemized deductions, or standard deduction)
• Make changes to your personal exemptions
• Recalculate your tax credits or claim additional tax credits
• Change amounts previously adjusted by the IRS

As you prepare to file Tax Form 1040X, make sure you know what you originally reported, what your corrections are, and the reason(s) you are making the changes ? you will need to provide this information on your form. Be clear and concise in your explanation of why you are making the change(s). On the top of Form 1040X, write the tax year that it applies to, because it is a generic form that can apply to any year. Also make sure to write “Amended” across the top of your new/corrected tax return.

Form 1040X can only be filed by paper ? it cannot be done online. You must file separate amended returns for each tax year, and mail each 1040X Form in a separate envelope. IRS Tax Form 1040X must be filed after the original return has been filed. If you are expecting a tax refund or credit, Form 1040X must be submitted within three years after the original return was filed, or within two years after the tax was paid (whichever is later). Once your 1040X Form has been received, it normally takes 8 – 12 weeks for the IRS to process. Also note that if you are expecting an additional tax refund, it will most likely be mailed to you as a paper check, even if you received your initial refund through Direct Deposit.

SEE ALSO:
• Getting Copies of Past Tax Returns
• When Will My Federal Tax Refund Arrive?

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