Can I do anything if I made a mistake on my 2021 tax return?

[recruiter3051]

I selected a box stating I had a principal abode and I didn't claim the ACTC even though I am eligible for it. What do I do?

[xmasbaby0 · Accepted solution]

Did you click that big orange button that said “Transmit my return now?”  If you did that, you cannot do anything to fix it yet.  You have to wait for the email that tells you if your return was accepted or rejected. Those emails will not start coming in until the IRS begins to accept/reject e-files in late January.   If you do not see an email, check your spam folder.

You cannot change or add anything on the return that you just e-filed, nor can you stop it.  It is too late, just like when you put an envelope in a US mailbox on the corner.  The IRS does not allow you to take it back.

If you left out a W-2, a 1099G, or a dependent, or a 1099 etc…DO NOT change your return while it is “pending.”  The changes will go nowhere.

Now you have to wait until the IRS either rejects or accepts your return.  If your return is rejected, you will be able to go into your account and make the necessary changes to your tax return and re-submit your return. 

 If the IRS accepts your return, however, then you have to wait longer until it has been fully processed and you have received your refund.  THEN you can prepare an amended tax return and e-file or mail  it in. You have to be able to work from that return exactly the way it was when it was e-filed originally.  You will need to use a form called a 1040X.

  Meanwhile, DO NOT go in and start changing anything on your return in the system, or you will make a mess for yourself.  Sit tight and wait until you see what the IRS does with the return you just e-filed

[MRoberts11]

Can I do anything if I made a mistake on my 2021 tax return?

[xmasbaby0]

@MRoberts11 Do not do anything just yet.   What mistake did you make?   Did you already e-file or mail the return?   We need to know what happened in order to help.

[MRoberts11]

Can I make an amended return once the IRS accepts my return?

[MRoberts11]

I answered the question, "7 a At any time during 2021, did you have a financial interest in or signature authority over a financial account (such as a bank account, securities account, or brokerage account) located in a foreign
country? See instructions " with a YES, but I should have answered NO.

[xmasbaby0]

@MRoberts11 Again----what mistake did you make---specifically?    There are some mistakes that the IRS will correct for you.   You might not need to amend.   Tell us what mistake you made.   And....even if you end up needing to amend --- never send an amended return until the original return has been fully processed.  Putting two returns into the system at the same time will only cause confusion and delay.

[Critter-3]

@MRoberts11 

"I answered the question, "7 a At any time during 2021, did you have a financial interest in or signature authority over a financial account (such as a bank account, securities account, or brokerage account) located in a foreign
country? See instructions " with a YES, but I should have answered NO."

This is nothing that needs to be amended.