Tips For Filing an Amended Tax Return

No one wants to receive an IRS audit. If the IRSoriginal tax return; Column B provides information on
discovers a discrepancy in your return, it could lead tothe adjustments made; Column C indicates alterations
future problems. If you find discrepancies in a previousmade between columns A and B.o Do not forget to
return, the best thing you can do is file an amendedwrite the year of the tax return you are amending at
tax return.the top of the form. Always double check the
An amended tax return is usually filed if you need tonumbers and calculations. Indicate any change of
make revisions to a previous tax return. Most peopleaddress by checking the correct box.o After you have
file an amended tax return because they need tocompleted all needed information, double check
correct their filing status. This will allow them to claimeverything for errors and then mail it to the IRS
the deductions that were missed as a result of filing inService Center. Make sure you have written the
the wrong status.correct address of IRS in your area. An IRS agent will
Form 1040x, the Amended U.S. Individual Income Taxreview your file to confirm that you have provided
Return, is used to file an amended tax return. This willenough information regarding your request for
correct the tax return filed under Forms 1040EZ,revision.o Pay the IRS the amount you owe before
1040A, or 1040. Processing time usually takes betweenthey impose penalties and additional interest. Never
8 to 12 weeks. If you had simple mathematical errors,make any claims that you cannot validate since you
there is no need to file for an amendment since IRSmight end up with a more serious problem.o In some
computers automatically do the math and check forsituations, the IRS may require an audit of your
calculation errors.amended return due to insufficient information. To
The following tips and information should help youavoid going through the process, make sure that all the
correctly file your amended return:o When filling out theclaims you have provided can be substantiated by the
form, clearly and concisely provide the reasons fordocuments you have attached to form 1040x.
making changes in your IRS return. Make sure youFiling an amended return is beneficial if you have to
provide all of the required information. It is important tomake corrections to your tax return. Such corrections
include the necessary forms and documentation.o Thecan include changes on your deductions, recalculations
filing of the amended tax should only be done throughof tax credits, or removal of previous dependents.
mail since submission of form 1040X is not availableWhen filing an amended return, being careful will go a
electronically.o The form 1040x is divided into 3long way.
columns; Column A indicates information on your