IRS Procedures > Amended Returns & Form 1040X

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Frequently Asked Tax Questions

IRS Procedures - Amended Returns & Form 1040X

Rev. date: 1/2010

What should I do if I made a mistake on my federal return that I have already filed?

Amended/Corrected Tax Return

It depends on the type of mistake that you made:

Many mathematical errors are caught in the processing of the tax return itself.
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 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 W-2 (PDF) you did not include.
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.
Please allow the IRS 8-12 weeks to process an amended return.

Rev. date: 1/2010

I received a refund that is more than I should have received because I made a mistake on my return. I have not yet cashed this check. What should I do now?

Amended/Corrected Tax Return
Tax Refund

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 IRS processes the amended return.
Write "Void" in the endorsement section of the check, and within 21 days after receiving it, return the check a letter of explanation to the Service Center where you file your amended return.
Allow the IRS 8-12 weeks to process the Amended return.

Rev. date: 1/2010

Can you send an amended tax return electronically?

Amended/Corrected Tax Return
Electronic Filing

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 to Form 1040X. You may submit the form after the IRS processes your original return.

Allow the IRS 8-12 weeks to process the Amended Return

Rev. date: 1/2010

How can I check the status of my amended return?

Amended/Corrected Tax Return
Tax Refund

You will need to contact our assistance line 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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