Tax Tip of the Week | No. 427 | Top 10 Things to Know About Amending Returns
Tax Tip of the Week | Oct 4, 2017 | No. 427 | Top 10 Things to Know About Amending Returns
If you need to make a change or correct your federal tax return after it has been filed you will use Form 1040X. Here are the top 10 things you need to know when filing a 1040X:1. To file a 1040X, it must be mailed—you cannot e-file an amended return.2. You normally don’t need to file an amended return to correct math errors. The IRS will automatically correct math errors and send you a bill or refund.3. You can track the status of the 1040X three weeks after filing. To track the status, go to www.irs.gov and click on the “Where’s My Amended Return” link. Note: it can take up to 12 weeks for the IRS to process an amended return.4. If a refund is due from the original return, wait until you receive the refund before filing the 1040X to claim additional refund amounts.5. If more tax is due, file a 1040X and pay the tax as soon as possible to reduce any interest and penalties.6. You usually have three years to file an amended return. See the 1040X instructions for the exact details.7. If you are amending more than one tax year, prepare a 1040X for each year and mail them in separate envelopes.8. If you use other IRS forms or schedules to make changes, attach those forms to the submitted 1040X.9. The most important section on the 1040X form is the “Explanation of Changes”. You need to clearly and precisely explain why you are submitting an amended return and what changes you are making.10. If the changes you make on the federal return also results in a change to your Ohio return be sure to submit an Ohio amended return as well. Note: Ohio no longer uses a special amended tax return. Instead, use the normal Ohio IT 1040 return and mark the “Amended” box located on the top of page 1.Let us know if you have any questions about filing an amended return.You can contact us in Dayton at 937-436-3133 and in Xenia at 937-372-3504. Or visit our website.Rick Prewitt - the guy behind TTW...until next week.