Amend Your Tax Return to Correct a Filing Mistake
Advice on how to fix an error on your tax return.
I realize I made a mistake on my 2015 taxes. Is it too late to fix it?
9 Financial Fumbles You Can Fix
- Rules for Paying Off Back Taxes
- Resolve a Complaint About an eBay Purchase
- Undo Your Social Security Claiming Decision
- Resolve a Dispute With a Home Contractor
- Amend Your Tax Return to Correct a Filing Mistake
- Repair Your Credit Score
- What to Do If You're Delinquent on Student Loans
- Change an Airline Ticket
- Get Out of a Time-Share Deal
You generally have up to three years from the due date of the original return to file an amended return. Use IRS Form 1040X to note the changes you're making, and include revised copies of any supplemental forms that are affected (such as Schedule A for changes to itemized deductions).
You cannot e-file an amended return. Amended returns take up to 16 weeks to process, so if you owe additional taxes, pay as soon as possible to avoid interest and penalty charges. If the change you've made lowers your tax bill, the IRS will send you a refund.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
SEE ALSO:
6 Tax Filing Mistakes That Can Cost You Money
p>
Get Kiplinger Today newsletter — free
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.
-
Best Cold Weather Places to Retire
Places to live Some like it hot; others not so much. Here are the 12 best places to retire if you can't stand the heat.
By Stacy Rapacon Published
-
Getting Divorced? Beware of Hidden Tax Traps as You Divide Assets
Dividing assets fairly in a divorce means looking beyond their current values and asking whether they'll create tax liabilities — or tax breaks — in the future.
By Stacy Francis, CFP®, CDFA®, CES™ Published
-
Why Digitizing Your Tax Records Can Simplify Your Filing in 2025
Tax Records If you can, switching from paper to e-filing your taxes can have many benefits.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Published
-
Will You Owe Taxes on Your Recently Forgiven Student Loan?
Loan Forgiveness If you received student debt forgiveness last year, know these key points when filing taxes. Plus — what can you expect from a new president?
By Kate Schubel Published
-
Homeowners Rush to Install Solar Panels Before Trump Cuts Tax Credits
Tax Credits With a new incoming presidential administration, is the solar energy tax credit in the hot seat?
By Kate Schubel Last updated
-
Gov. Hochul Vows to Deliver $1 Billion in Tax Relief to New Yorkers
State Tax The proposed tax cuts would benefit New York middle-class families.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Published
-
More Taxes Could Slam New Yorkers Over MTA Budget Shortfall
State Taxes Lawmakers warn that New Yorkers may need to brace for more taxes.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Published
-
IRS Free File Is Now Open for 2025: Are Your Taxes Eligible?
Tax Filing Official tax season doesn't begin until late January, but taxpayers can start filing free online returns now.
By Kate Schubel Last updated
-
California Fires: How to Recover Tax Records and Other Important Documents
Disaster Recovery Having your tax records and other vital documents is important for claiming casualty loss deductions that can help with recovery.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Last updated
-
Child and Dependent Care Credit: How Much Is It?
CDCTC The non-refundable tax break can help working families afford quality care for their child or qualifying dependent.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Last updated