How to File an Amended Tax Return

After filing your individual tax return for a particular tax year on either Form 1040, Form 1040A or Form 1040EZ, changes are made on Form 1040X Amended U. S. Individual Tax Return. The changes to your original return can relate to income that was not reported or was overstated, to deductions or credits that you should not have taken, to allowable deductions or credits that you missed, or to a filing status change.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Access Form 1040X on the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) website. You cannot file an amended return electronically. A separate amended return is required for each year that is being changed. A claim for refund usually must be filed within 3 years of filing the original tax return.

2. Enter the required information on the top of Form 1040X relating to name, address, social security numbers, and filing status. Indicate the year of the original tax return that is being amended. If you intend to change your filing status, remember that you cannot change from a joint return to separate returns.

3. Fill in the amounts from the original tax return in Column A of Form 1040X and put the changes to the original amounts of income, deductions, or credits in Column B.

4. Add or subtract the changes from the Column A amounts to arrive at the corrected amounts to enter in Column C. Show the corrected taxable income on Line 5 of Column C.

5. Calculate your corrected tax liability on Line 6 of Column C using tax tables or schedules which apply to the year being amended. If Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) is applicable, also include that amount on Line 6.

6. Complete the remaining lines for credits, other taxes, tax payments already made and refunds already received. The net difference will either be shown as additional tax due on Line 21, or as a refund on Line 23. Explain all of the changes made and include attachments if necessary.

7. Print the completed Form 1040X and file with the Internal Revenue Service Center in the area where you live. If you owe additional tax, include a check for payment.

Tips & Warnings

• Increasing or decreasing your adjusted gross income (AGI) can affect various items such as limitations on itemized deductions and allowable credits such as child tax credit. It can also affect the taxable amount of social security benefits.

Resources

• Access Form 1040X on the IRS website.

[wajah2]

on 4/8/2009 Do you also have to refile another 1040,a,ez form that reflects your changes?