- 1). Determine if you actually need to amend your tax return. You should file an amended tax return if you need to make changes in your income, exemptions, deductions, credits or filing status. You don't need to amend your tax return if you made a simple mathematical error or forgot to include a W-2 or 1099 form. The IRS will catch these small errors and correct them or request the missing information.
- 2). Get a copy of Form 1040X to amend your tax return. You can't file an amended tax return electronically, so you need to print this form out from the IRS website or pick it up from an IRS office. You can also call the IRS directly and have them mail one to you.
- 3). Fill out Form 1040X in blue or black ink with the correct information and include an explanation of why you want to amend your tax return. You don't need to fill out the entire form, just the areas you need to change. Fill out a separate form for each year you want to amend.
- 4). Mail the form to the address in the correction notice you received, or if you noticed the error yourself, to the Internal Revenue Service Center for your area. The addresses for the Internal Revenue Centers and the areas they service are listed in the instructions for Form 1040X. If you filled out more than one 1040X, mail each in a separate envelope. Include any documentation of the changes, such as W-2s or 1099s. If the changes to your tax return cause you to owe more taxes, you should also include payment for the balance owed. You may owe fees and interest on any taxes that were not paid by the due date of the tax return you are correcting.
- 5). File your amended tax return in a timely manner. You can correct an error on your tax return within three years of the original filing due date or two years of paying any owed taxes. If you got an extension, your original filing date is the extension due date.
- 6). Don't forget to make any corrections to your state tax return, as well by filling out the form required by your state. You may also need to include a copy of your amended federal tax return when you mail in your amended state tax return.
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