Frequently Asked Tax Questions
IRS Procedures - Amended Returns & Form 1040X
Rev. date: 12/19/2012
It depends on the type of mistake that you made:
- Many mathematical errors are caught in the processing of the tax return itself so you may not need to correct these
mistakes.
- If you did not attach a required schedule, the IRS will contact you and ask for the missing
information.
- If you did not report all of your income or did not claim a credit, you should file an amended or corrected return using
Form 1040X (PDF),
Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return.
When filing an amended or corrected return:
- Include copies of any schedules that have been changed or any
Form(s) W-2 (PDF) you did not include. File 1040X only after you have filed your original return. Generally, for a credit or refund, you must file Form 1040X within 3 years (including extensions) after the date you timely filed your original return or within 2 years after the date you paid the tax, whichever is
later.
- Please allow the IRS 8-12 weeks to process an amended return.
Rev. date: 12/21/2012
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(s) 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 IRS processes the amended
return.
- Write "Void" in the endorsement section of the check, and return the check with a letter of explanation to the Service Center where you file your amended return as soon as possible to minimize the interest
charges..
- Allow the IRS 8-12 weeks to process the amended return.
Rev. date: 12/21/2012
No, an amended return must be filed on a paper
Form 1040X (PDF),
Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, and mailed to the IRS at the address specified in the
Instructions for Form 1040X (PDF).
Allow the IRS 8-12 weeks to process the amended return.
Rev. date: 12/21/2012
Contact us toll-free 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.
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