After filing your tax return, you realize there was a mistake, but you haven’t received an IRS notice
If the due date for filing your tax returnhas passed,you can submit an amended tax returnto correct most mistakes.
If you need to amend your 2020, 2021 and 2022 Forms 1040 or 1040-SR you can do so electronically using available tax software products. You should contact your preferred tax software provider to verify their participation and for specific instructions needed to submit your amended return and to answer any questions. Amended returns for other years must be filed by paper.
If you realize you made a mistake but the due date for filing hasn’t passed, don’t file an amended tax return. Instead, file another original taxreturn withyour correct information.
You got an IRS notice about the IRS auditing your tax return
The IRS performsauditsby mailorin person. The notice will have specific information on howyou shouldproceed.
You got an IRSnotice saying there was incorrect information on your taxreturn
This often happens before the taxreturn is fully processed – the IRS is giving you a chance to make a correction. The notice should explainthe issue and how to respond to the IRS. SeeIncorrect Tax Returnsfor more information.
Note: If the change described in the IRS notice is different from what you think is incorrect, make sure you address both changes in your response.
TheIRS made changes to your tax return, but now you have new information
If the IRS made changes to your taxreturn during processing,you can submit an amended tax return.
If the IRS made changes to the taxreturn because of an audit or an IRS assessment, you may need to request anaudit reconsideration.
You didn’t file a tax return, but later realize you need to file one
Maybe you didn’t think you needed to file a tax return, but later got some new information that means you should file (like receiving a late Form 1099).
If you’re not sure if you need to file a tax return, try IRSDo I Need to File a Returntool.
If the IRS hasn’t sent you a notice about filing a tax return and you need to file one, go ahead and electronically file it if it’s for one of the three tax years before the current tax year. If the tax return is for a tax year older than that, then it has to be mailed to the IRS.
Note: Be sure to use the correct forms andmail it to the right IRSaddress for the specific tax year you need to file.
You didn’t file a taxreturn, and got an IRSnotice stating that you needed to file
If you didn’t file a taxreturn by the due date, but IRS records show that you should have, you may get an IRSnotice. You’ll either need toreply to the IRS and explain why you don’t need to file or submit your tax return.
If you don’t respondto the IRS’s notice, the IRS may file a tax return for you, called a Substitute for Return. If it does file a tax return for youand you disagree with the information the IRS used, you’ll need to followaudit reconsiderationsteps to correct it.
You just need to change your address
There are several ways to change youraddress –IRS.gov’sAddress Changespage lists all available options.
Amended return status
You can check the status of your amended return using the Where’s My Amended Return? (WMAR)online tool or the toll-free telephone number 866-464-2050 three weeks after you file your amended return. Both tools are available in English and Spanish and track the status of amended returns for the current year and up to three prior years.
Please keep in mind that due to Coronavirus processing delays, amended returns may take longer than three weeks to appear in IRS’ system and up to 20 weeks to process. Before that time, there’s no need to call IRS unless the tool specifically tells you to do so. Do not file a second amended return.
