How to Correct A Mistake On Filed Tax Return

If you have already filed your tax return and now realize you did not claim all of your income, or missed a tax credit, you are entitled to file an amended or corrected return using a special form.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. If tax form 1040 was used in filing your tax returns, you can use form 1040x to make any needed corrections. You can find this form by visiting IRS.gov and performing a search on '1040x'.

2. The 1040x form allows you to add income or claim any tax credits you may have missed. You can then calculate how much you now owe, or increased refund amount you should receive.

3. This form is very simple to complete, and looks much like the original 1040 filed. This amended return must be filed on a paper Form 1040X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, and mailed to your servicing center for processing, no e-filing. You may submit the form after the IRS processes your original return.

4. If you find a mistake has been made on your filed return, it is very important to get the corrections made, and the sooner the better. Odds are the mistake will be discovered by the IRS eventually and you could face tax penalties.