Turbo Takeaways
- Amended refunds are issued based on errors you make on your tax return.
- If you find errors or incomplete information on your tax return form, you can make corrections and file your federal return again.
- Amending your tax return can result in a different refund from the IRS.
How Amended Tax Refunds Work?
An amended refund is an additional refund amount the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) may issue if your amended tax return increases your refund amount. In some cases, an amended return can also increase your tax liability, and you may have to make an additional payment to the IRS.
For example, if your original tax refund was $2,000, but the amended return increased your refund amount to $3,000, you’ll receive an additional $1,000 refund.
Your amended federal income tax return will include the original information from your first tax return, along with anything you need to change. You’ll use Form 1040-X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, to do so.
Reasons for Filing an Amended Tax Return
There are a few instances when you’re required to file an amended tax return, including:
- You didn’t claim a dependent
- You claimed a dependent improperly
- You make a mistake on your tax return, such as not including a certain income, incorrect filing status, or an incorrect deduction
- You used standard deductions instead of itemized deductions
- You didn’t claim deductions or tax credits, such as the child tax credit, for which you qualify
- You claimed a credit, deduction, or expense you weren’t eligible for
Only Amend Returns for Major Errors
You don’t need to file an amended return for simple math errors. The IRS will automatically fix small mistakes when processing your original tax return.
How To File for an Amended Refund
Filing for an amended refund is a straightforward process. However, you may want to hire a tax professional to avoid any errors in the completion and filing of your amended return.
Here are the necessary steps to take to amend your tax return to receive an amended refund:
Gather Necessary Documents and Information
Before you file your amended return, make sure you have your original tax return and relevant documents on hand.
For example, if you didn’t claim a tax credit or deduction, you’ll need to provide documents that support the deduction you’re claiming, such as a donation receipt. If you want to correct your reported income, you may need a new or amended 1099 or W-2 form.
Complete Form 1040-X
Once your documents are ready, download Form 1040-X from the IRS website. Fill out the form with your personal information, details of your changes, and an explanation for them.
The form has three columns for details about your changes:
- Column A: Information on your original return
- Column B: Difference in the amounts between the original and amended return
- Column C: The corrected amounts
Submit the Amended Return
Since the 2019 tax year, the IRS has allowed you to e-file your amended return if you've filed the original return electronically and if your tax software (Turbotax, H&R Block Tax Cut, etc.) allows you to submit forms electronically. You can also print and submit your return by mail.
How long do you have to amend a tax return?
You have three years to amend a return and claim a refund from the IRS.
Tracking the Status of an Amended Refund
There are two main ways to check the status of an amended refund once you’ve submitted your amended federal tax return, including:
Use the IRS “Where's My Amended Refund” Tool
It may take up to 20 weeks for the IRS to process your return once you submit it. However, you can use the “Where’s My Amended Refund” tool to check the status. It may take up to three weeks after you submit for the tool to show the status of your particular amended return.
The “Where’s My Amended Return” tool can show you the status of your current amended return and the three prior years of returns if you’ve submitted any during that time. You’ll need to provide your date of birth, zip code, and Social Security number to check the status.
It’s important to note you can't use the "Where's My Amended Return" tool to track the status of:
- Business returns
- Injured spouse claims
- Carryback applications or claims
- Returns with a foreign address
- Returns processed by Examination, Bankruptcy, or other special units
- Any submitted Form 1040 hand-marked or stamped as a corrected or amended return instead of 1040-X
Contact the IRS for Status Updates
You can also call the IRS’s amended return helpline toll-free at 1-866-464-2050 to find the status of your return.
You’ll need to provide the same information as we’ve listed above when you call the toll-free number, and you may need to provide additional information if/when needed. The IRS helpline offers information in English and Spanish.
A Tax Professional Can Help With an Amended Refund
Filing an amended return is important, especially when it increases your refund amount. You can choose to submit the return yourself or seek help from an experienced tax professional to maximize your refund.
The IRS usually accepts most amended returns. However, in some tax situations, the IRS may not agree with the information you’ve submitted. You’ll receive a notice of claim disallowance or a denial letter in this case. If you receive either of these notices, we recommend speaking to a tax preparation expert to explore your options.
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