That means the IRS doesn't automatically accept amended returns. However, the IRS will not open an audit (or “exam”) simply because you file an amended return. An official website of the United States Government We are taking more than 20 weeks (instead of up to 16 weeks) to process amended returns. Don't file a second tax return or call the IRS.
Check the status of your Form 1040-X, U.S. Individual Income Tax Return. UU. amended, for this year and up to three previous years.
The modified returns tool cannot access certain amended returns; see our FAQs for more information. You should wait until the IRS has processed your tax return before making corrections. If you expect to receive a tax refund, wait until you receive it before filing an amended return. The general opinion in the industry holds that filing an amended tax return makes you more likely to be audited.
This can dissuade taxpayers from amending a return, even if they know they made a mistake and even if that mistake costs them money and not the government. However, you should not make this assumption. The IRS has formally stated that audits are not automatically subject to an amended tax return. If the amended return results in a significant change in your favor and the circumstances surrounding the change appear suspicious, the IRS is likely to initiate an audit.
If you made a simple mistake, such as a math error, the IRS will fix it for you. You don't need to file an amended return. The same is true if you forgot to attach forms to your return. In that case, the IRS will send you a letter asking for the information if you need it.
You can file an amended return within 3 years of the date you filed your original return or within 2 years after the date you paid any tax due, whichever comes later. If the return would result in a significant return or if the omission is large, then it may make sense to modify it. However, you also don't want to simply accept the return, since the IRS will use the documentation you normally have on hand, Forms W-2 and 1099, to prepare your return and will not include items such as medical expenses or deductions for self-employment that reduce your tax bill. You may not need to file an amended return if you are seeking a quick tax refund as a result of certain cumulative returns, such as NOLs.
However, file an amended return if there are any changes in your marital status, income, deductions, credits, or tax liability. It seems like a welcome step forward for taxpayers and tax professionals who need to file amended returns. However, if you file a second return before the filing deadline, the second “replaces the first return” and is treated as the originally filed return. If the filing deadline falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, your amended return will be timely if you file or pay it the next business day.
If you receive information after you file your original tax return, such as an annoying 1099-NEC form, that you forgot, you may want to file an amended return. Check where to submit in the instructions on Form 1040-X the address to mail your amended return to. Their marital status may have changed depending on changes in their household, or their employer may have provided them with a new W-2 form after filing their initial tax return. If your amended return indicates that you owe more taxes, you should pay them as soon as possible to limit interest and penalties.
Generally, you must file your amended return within three years from the date you filed your original return, or two years from the date you paid any tax due, whichever comes later. Other reasons for filing an amended return include changes in your marital status (for example, you applied as head of household when you didn't qualify) or dependents (you claimed a child when the child was not your actual dependent). .
