A1. If you didn't claim the credit on your original tax return, you will need to file an Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, Form 1040-X. The IRS will not calculate the 2020 Recovery Rebate Credit for you if you did not enter any amount on your original tax return.
You can use the Interactive Tax Assistant, Should I File an Amended Return?, to help determine if you should amend your original tax return.
If you need to file an amended return to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit, use the worksheet on page 59 of the 2020 instructions for Form 1040 and 1040-SR to determine the amount of your credit. Enter the amount on the Refundable Credits section of the 1040-X and include "Recovery Rebate Credit" in the Explanation of Changes section.
If you filed your 2020 return electronically and need to file an amended return, you may be able to file Form 1040-X electronically.
If you did not file your 2020 return electronically, you will need to submit a paper version of the Form 1040-X and should follow the instructions for preparing and mailing the paper form.
Those filing their Form 1040-X electronically or on paper can use the Where's My Amended Return? online tool to check the status of their amended return.
