How to Correct a Wrong Tax Return
If you discover that you have filed a 1040, 1040A or 1040EZ with incorrect information, you will need to use 1040X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax return to correct the mistakes. The amended return should only be used if you had errors in reporting credits, deductions, income, dependents and filing status. Sometimes the changes made to your federal tax return will affect your state return, which will need to be amended as well.
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Instructions
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1
Read your original tax return. Use a highlighter marker to highlight incorrect entries on your tax return. Remember that if you change you filing status or income, it will more than likely affect your credits.
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2
Enter your personal information in the first section as it is entered on the original tax return. If you filed jointly on the original, you must file the same way on the amended return if it is past the April 15 deadline. Whether you are or are not changing your filing status, you must check the box for your filing status. Select the box for the tax year, and write any explanation as to why you are amending the return.
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Enter any changes to income or deductions in the income and deduction section. You enter what the correct amount should be for income or deductions. For instance, if you forgot to enter a W-2, which was reporting $400 in income and you already had reported $20,000 on the original return, you would enter $20.400 on the amended return line 1. If you must change exemptions, you must complete page 2 under "Exemptions."
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Continue changing any information you have highlighted on the original tax return on the amended return. Redo any schedules that will change because of income or deduction changes. This may include earned income credit, child tax credit and capital gains.
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Calculate the amended tax return to see if you will owe money or if you have a refund due to you. On page 2 of the 1040X, sign and date the form. Make a copy of the 1040X for your records.
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Attach any schedules to the back of the 1040X. Attach any new W-2s, 1099, 1098 or other forms that support the changes that you have made. If you owe money, include a check or money order in an envelope with the attachments and 1040X form.
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Mail the envelope to the correct address for your particular state.
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Make changes to your state return if needed. You can find an amended tax form for your state at the Department of revenue website.
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