Tim’s Tax News on the Tenth – May 2024

Timothy M. Hughes • May 10, 2024

When a Taxpayer Should File an Amended Federal Tax Return

A magnifying glass with the word taxes written on it


When a taxpayer realizes that their federal tax return has a math error, missing income, or other mistake, they should file an amended tax return. If you need to amend your Form 1040, 1040-SR, 1040-NR, or 1040-SS/PR for the current or two prior tax periods, you can amend these forms electronically using available tax software products. Any amended Form 1040, 1040-SR, 1040-NR or 1040-SS/PR returns older than the current or prior two tax periods cannot be amended electronically. Amended returns for those earlier tax years must be filed by paper. Also, if the originally filed return was via paper during the current processing year, then the amended return must also be filed on paper.


A taxpayer must file an amended return if they need to correct: 

• Filing status

• Income

• Deductions

• Credits

• Tax liability


Math Errors and Missing Schedules 

Taxpayers usually do not need to file an amended return to fix a math error or if they forgot to attach a form or schedule. The IRS will correct the math error while processing the tax return and notify the taxpayer by mail. The agency will send a letter to request any missing forms or schedules.


How to File an Amended Tax Return

Taxpayers should use Form 1040-X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, to correct a previously filed Form 1040-series return or to change amounts previously adjusted by the IRS. Taxpayers can file Form 1040-X electronically for their 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023 Forms 1040 or 1040-SR. Additionally, they can electronically amend Form 1040-NR and Form 1040-SS/PR for tax years 2021, 2022, and 2023. 


If you would like more details, please do not hesitate to call our office. Our office has been successful in helping taxpayers with IRS and IDOR collection problems for over 30 years. If you have a tax or debt problem, please contact me at 847-705-9698 or thughes@lavellelaw.com and find out how we can help you.


Are you receiving the Lavelle Law eNewsletter? Sign up today and receive valuable updates and perspectives on a wide range of legal issues: http://goo.gl/pjeJkm


More News & Resources

Lavelle Law News and Events

Join us on 11.8.26 and learn to spot the red flags of fiduciary breach and know your rights.
By Lavelle Law • October 19, 2026
Attorney Nataly Kaiser shares stories from trust administration disputes, plus red flags of a fiduciary breach and how to protect yourself. Register today for "Tales from the Trenches on Trust Administration" - a Lavelle Law Breakfast Briefs Seminar
Banking and Business – October 2026
By Steven A. Migala • October 14, 2026
Federal Banking Regulators Clarify What Financial Institutions Can Tell Customers About Fraud Investigations and Account Closures
Tax Scams to Watch for Related to the One, Big, Beautiful Bill
By Timothy M. Hughes • October 10, 2026
Taxpayers should watch for the following OBBB-related scams and take steps to protect their personal and financial information.
Options and Tips for Selling Your Business - a Lavelle Law Minute video.
By Kerry M. Lavelle • September 29, 2026
Thinking of selling your business ahead of retirement? Business owners should begin preparing when they enter the “red zone” before retirement - not wait until they’re ready to retire. Kerry Lavelle explains this and more in the Lavelle Law Minute video, "Options and Tips for Selling Your Business."
Court Denies Petition to Remove Executor - Major Probate Litigation Defense Victory
By Probate Litigation • September 23, 2026
Court Denies Petition to Remove Executor - Major Probate Litigation Defense Victory - A Lavelle Law Success Story.
IRS Launches Digitally Authenticated Tax Compliance Report
By Timothy M. Hughes • September 10, 2026
On August 20, 2026, the Internal Revenue Service announced a digitally authenticated Tax Compliance Report available through IRS Individual Online Accounts. Taxpayers can securely obtain and download the report when applying for a job, a loan, a government benefit, or another service that requires tax compliance info.
BOI reports with FinCEN no longer required for condo, HOAs, other associations, board members.
By Robyn K. Kish • August 17, 2026
FinCEN update: Condo, HOAs, and other common interest community associations no longer have to file BOI reports with FinCEN. Volunteer board members are no longer required to report their personal information to the federal government simply because they sit on an association’s board of directors.
Tax-Smart Year-End Planning: Key 2026 Tax Changes & Strategies for Success
By Lavelle Law • August 11, 2026
Discover the latest tax law updates and planning opportunities that can help you reduce taxes, protect wealth, and prepare for the future.
IRS Announces Guidance on the Expansion of Paid Family and Medical Leave
By Timothy M. Hughes • August 10, 2026
On August 5, 2026, the Internal Revenue Service issued Notice 2026-28 providing guidance on the employer credit for paid family and medical leave (“PFML”) under the Working Families Tax Cuts (“WFTC”). The WFTC makes permanent and expands eligibility and coverage for employers offering PFML benefits to employees.
Federal Rule 68 Offers of Judgment: An Underutilized Tool for Defense Counsel
By Sarah J. Reusché • August 7, 2026
Many litigators are familiar with Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 68, but few fully appreciate its strategic value in the defense arsenal. Rule 68 can be a powerful tool for influencing settlement negotiations, and in some cases, limiting a plaintiff’s ability to recover post-offer attorneys’ fees.
More Posts