how to amend a tax return

To amend a tax return in the USA, you need to file Form 1040-X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return. Here are the key steps:

1. Download Form 1040-X from the IRS website.

2. Gather your original tax return and any new documents or forms related to the amendment.

3. Complete Form 1040-X by filling out three columns:

   • Column A: amounts from the original return,
   • Column B: changes (increases or decreases),
   • Column C: corrected amounts (sum of A and B).
     Also explain the reason for the amendment in Part III.

4. Submit the completed Form 1040-X along with any corrected W-2s, 1099s, or other supporting documents. You can mail it or e-file if the software supports it.

5. If you owe more tax, include payment; if you expect a refund, you can request direct deposit for returns from 2021 and later.

6. Wait for the IRS to process the amended return.

You typically have up to three years from the original filing deadline or two years from when you paid the tax to file an amended return. This process applies to federal returns; state tax returns may have their own form and process for amendments. Filing an amended return is used to correct errors such as incorrect filing status, missing income, or missed deductions, but not for trivial clerical errors which IRS will correct by itself. If the original return was filed using certain tax software like TurboTax, the software often has a built-in option to guide you through amending the return. These instructions provide a complete overview of how to amend a tax return in the US federally.