Hi, you have to mail an AMEND
How to File an Amended Return With the IRS
Updated for Tax Year 2016
OVERVIEW
If
you've made an error on a tax return you already filed or simply come
across new information, such as a tax deduction or credit you now
realize you qualify for, file an amended tax return to make the
correction. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) knows the tax code is
complex, and that people make mistakes. The process for filing an
amendment is straightforward. Simply file Form 1040X, Amended Tax
Return, along with the corrected or additional documents you did not
originally file with your return.
Step 1: Collect your documents
Gather
your original return and all new documents. You will need to reference
your original tax return and any documentation that relates to your
amendment such as proof of a new deduction you are claiming or a W-2 you
didn't have when preparing the original return. If you are missing a
W-2, you can file a Form 4852 and have the IRS issue a W-2 replacement
as long as your employer provided the IRS with this information.
Step 2: Get the right forms together
Download
the necessary forms for the tax year you are amending. The IRS
maintains a database on its website where you can access all tax forms
for previous years. Alternatively, you can use TurboTax to file your
amendment – we’ll automatically find and fill in the forms you need.
Remember that you don't need to submit new forms for your entire tax
return, just the areas that are affected. For example, if you originally
prepared a Schedule B to report interest income, amending your return
to claim a charitable contribution deduction (which is not reported on
Schedule B) will not affect it. However, it will require you to prepare a
new Schedule A to report the charitable contribution with your itemized
deductions.
Step 3: Fill out a 1040X
Download
a current IRS Form 1040X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return.
TurboTax can help with this. The form includes easy-to-follow
instructions and only requires you to include new or updated
information. It is unnecessary to copy information from your original
return. You will also find a space where you can write an explanation as
to why you are amending your return.
Step 4: Submit your amended return
Send
the IRS your amended return. Before mailing your return to the IRS,
double check that you've attached all necessary forms and supporting
documents. In the event your amendment results in a higher tax bill, you
should include the additional tax payment with the return. By making a
payment, you can minimize the amount of interest and penalties you may
be subject to since technically, you are making a late payment of tax.
It takes the IRS eight to twelve weeks to process your amendment, so
give it some time before you contact them regarding your amended return.
Tips
- In most cases, you have three years from the original return's filing deadline to submit an amended tax return.
