posted Apr 12, 2011, 10:47 AM by Unknown user
Nine Facts on filing an Amended
Return
An amended tax return generally allows you to file
again to correct your filing status, your income or to add deductions
or credits you may have missed.
Here are nine points the IRS wants you to know about amending
your federal income tax return.
- Use Form 1040X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return,
to file an amended income tax return.
- Use Form 1040X to correct previously filed Forms 1040, 1040A
or 1040EZ. An amended return cannot be filed electronically, thus you
must file it by paper.
- Generally, you do not need to file an amended return due to
math errors. The IRS will automatically make that correction. Also, do
not file an amended return because you forgot to attach tax forms such
as W-2s or schedules. The IRS normally will send a request asking for
those.
- Be sure to enter the year of the return you are amending at
the top of Form 1040X. Generally, you must file Form 1040X within three
years from the date you filed your original return or within two years
from the date you paid the tax, whichever is later.
- If you are amending more than one tax return, prepare a
1040X for each return and mail them in separate envelopes to the
appropriate IRS campus. The 1040X instructions list the addresses for
the campuses.
- If the changes involve another schedule or form, you must
attach that schedule or form to the amended return.
- If you are filing to claim an additional refund, wait until
you have received your original refund before filing Form 1040X. You may
cash that check while waiting for any additional refund.
- If you owe additional 2010 tax, file Form 1040X and pay the
tax before the due date to limit interest and penalty charges that could
accrue on your account. Interest is charged on any tax not paid by the
due date of the original return, without regard to extensions.
- Form 1040X was recently redesigned. Previously the form
consisted of three columns; Column A-Original amount, Column B-Net
change, and Column C-Correct amount. The redesigned form now has just
one column where the Correct Amount is the only figure entered, making
it easier to make changes to previously filed returns.
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