Why Would I Need to Amend My Tax Return?

Reasons for Filing an Amended Return

1. Incorrect Income Reporting: If you forgot to report additional income, such as freelance work, a W-2, or investment earnings, you need to file an amended return to include this information.
2. Missed Deductions or Credits: If you forgot to claim a deduction or credit that you were eligible for, an amended return allows you to add these and potentially reduce your tax liability.

Examples

1. Example 1: You initially filed your tax return without including income from a side job. Later, you realize this omission and file an amended return to report the additional income.
2. Example 2: You forgot to claim the Child Tax Credit on your original return. By filing an amended return, you can include this credit and possibly receive a larger refund.

Fees and Filing Information

• Amended Return Fee: There is a fee of $42 for filing an amended return for both federal and state returns.
• State Returns: State amended returns cannot be e-filed and must be printed and mailed.
• Federal Returns: Federal amended returns can be e-filed if the original return was e-filed through our program. However, any subsequent amended returns must be printed and mailed.

Important Deadlines and Considerations

• You generally have up to three years from the original filing deadline or two years from the date you paid any tax owed to amend your return and claim a refund.
• The IRS usually automatically corrects mathematical errors in most cases. If amending to correct a math error, we recommend you wait to see if the IRS catches it first. If the changes to your federal return affect your state return, you’ll need to submit an amended state return. You can find specific instructions for amending your state return on your state agency’s website.
• While there is no deadline for amended returns, there is a statute of limitations on how long the IRS is required to refund you. A statute of limitations is a law that places a time limit on how long the IRS has to issue a refund check. If you are filing an amended return and are owed a refund check, you must submit the amendment within three years after submitting your original return OR two years from the date you paid any amount due on that return, whichever is later. Otherwise, you forfeit your refund.
• It typically takes up to 20 weeks to process an amended return. 

Checking the Status of Your Amended Return