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.


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