I put the wrong business address on my Schedule C for 2020, 2021, and 2022 taxes. How do I correct that?

[Bsch4477]

No need for a correction. That won’t affect your tax liability. 

[fmcg19]

Thank you for your reply. My Schedule C shows my personal address, instead of my business address, which is flagging the city I live in to charge me tax, interest, and penalties for what they believe is me working in the city based on the personal address (they only go by Federal tax returns/addresses to determine taxes); my business address is in a city that doesn't charge business taxes.

[rjs]

My guess is that amending your past-year federal tax returns to correct the business address would not do any good. The city has already decided that you have to pay city tax, interest, and penalties. Also, it takes at least 5 months for the IRS to process an amended return, and its not clear that the city would even be notified of the amendment.

You have to reply to the notice that you received from the city with an explanation of your error, and try to convince them that your business is not really in that city. It would probably help to include some documents or other evidence showing your actual business address.

If you want further help, please identify the state and the cities involved. You might get a response from someone who is familiar with the specific city taxes and can give you more detailed advice. You might also want to consider consulting a local tax professional for assistance.

[fmcg19]

My personal residence is in Portland, Oregon / Multnomah County; my business residence is in Beaverton, Oregon / Washington County.

I did reach out to the City of Portland after receiving the notice and they told me that they only accept and look at Federal Tax Returns (I have offered proof of residency for both personal and business, told them that they can send me mail to my business address, and/or they can talk with the owner of the office building who is a client of mine, but they refuse to consider any of those).

I did reach out to a couple of CPAs (I haven't heard back from them given the upcoming October deadline) and a Tax Attorney, who recommended amending the returns and submitted the new ones to Portland once they are approved by the IRS.

Overall, I'm at a loss, other than submitting amended returns, though they may take awhile as you mentioned. 

Thank you again for your advice; I really appreciate it!

[rjs · Accepted solution]

Here's an FAQ with instructions for amending returns that you filed with TurboTax. (The title says "prior year" but it also works for 2022.)

How do I amend my federal tax return for a prior year?

Before you start to amend your return in TurboTax Online, be sure to download a PDF of your original tax return and save it on your own computer. Once you amend it, you will no longer be able to access the original in TurboTax.

Amended returns for prior years cannot be e-filed. You will have to print the amended returns, sign them, and file them by mail. Mail each year in a separate envelope, and send them by certified mail with a return receipt so that you have tracking and confirmation of delivery.

[fmcg19]

Thank you for that information, and all of your help.