In tuesday’s article, I mentioned that I forgot to record one of my joint accounts’ interest earnings on my tax return and I went on to talk about what I’ve learned about tax returns and joint accounts. If you’re one of those people that thought it was weird that I never talked about how I was going to fix this error, then today’s article will address this.
What should we do when we realized that we made a mistake on our return but it was already filed?
Basically, it will depend on whether you e-filed or not. If you e-filed and the IRS rejects your return, then you have a chance to fix the error and resubmit. However, if you e-filed and the IRS accepts your return (meaning the return is already on the way), then you will have to wait till after you receive your refund. Once you receive your check, you should prepare and file a Form 1040X. Note is that this form can only be mailed and cannot be filed electronically. Once you mail the form, it may take the IRS up to 3 months to process the Form 1040X, so don’t be alarmed if you don’t hear from them after 2 months!
There are basically 4 steps to file a 1040X:
- Have your original Form 1040 handy – You will need information on the original form to file the 1040X
- Note Changes – Take notes on each change on the original tax forms and the reason for each change
- Fill out Form 1040X – The information on steps 1 and 2 will help with this
- Mail the form – Remember to include all accompanying documents!
It is more work to correct errors but it is very important to be accurate with our filing because we don’t want to be caught with an filing error with the IRS! I will be sure to keep everyone updated on the progress!
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{ 22 comments… read them below or add one }
i need help with filling out a 1040x
is there someone there that can help me with my 1040x
todd: Do you still need help? Please email me at david [at] moneyning.com and I can try to help.
Hello!
I think this try.
My immigrant wife, without my knowledge, filed her 2007 tax return in February. I had to file “Married/filing Single” and lost many benefits including “head of household” and tuition for both of my children. Instead of receiving a check, I owe over $3,000 on April 15th. After paying this, is a 1040X possible?
southernyankee: She was just trying to help so don’t get mad at her!!
You should file a 1040X but I’m sure your wife needs to file one also. However, with something as complicated as this since there are two tax returns that need to be in sync of each other, I wouldn’t hesitate to ask for professional help. You might want to go to those HR Block offices and ask them what they think because they will probably offer free advice.
neploxo tak, i`m glad,
Sir,
I want to know how can I request for a 1040X Form to comply with the rules and regulations on how to file the said 1040X Form, and when to file it.
Joseph: the latest form can be downloaded from the IRS
http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1040x.pdf
Remember to write the tax year you are amending at the top of Form 1040X as the form can be used for any calendar year. You can send it off right away once you are done filling it out.
Do I need to file a 1040X if there is no change to the refund amount? I reported more on form 8917 and when I received the actual 1098-T the amount was less. However, the credit on the 8917 was the exact same with the new/correct info. Thanks for any help!
scbhump: If there is an adjustment in any forms (up or down). You should report it using a 1040x.
Sir: I received an additional W-2 after I filed. I got the 1040x form from the IRS website but I am having some issues. The big problem at this point is the additional $300 stimulus payment (for my child that was born at the end of 2008) that they say they owe me……where does that go? Please help!
My wife hade an ITIN number for the past years, now she become a Resident allien.
She have now a S.S number can I use the 1040X to claim my past EIC.
because on my past declaration the person who prepare my declaration says that I dont qualify to the EIC because my wife has an ITIN number
I made an error using TurboTax and I need to fill out form 1040X and I am not sure where to put the recovery rebate credit on 1040X. The form on irs.gov was last modified in Nov. 2007. Any ideas if the IRS will modify the form? If not, any ideas where to put this recovery rebate? Thanks!
The new 1040X for 2008 has not been issued yet. I don’t know why the hold up.
My daughter filled out my tax return online with irs website. I dont blame her but she made a mistake where dependant is concern.She forgot to check off for yourself so now I wont get a refund rather I have to pay back. I need step by step help to fill out form 1040x so I can get a return.
I filed 1040a online on turbotax, i am a student on an f1 status, been in us since aug 15 2007 (260 days in yr 2007) and 349 days in year 2008 i hv been in USA. I filed my taxes the previous yr using 1040nr-ez…..unlike tht, this time i filed using 1040a on turbotax, got a refund credit of 300$ on federal and sum $537 on state tax..NYC state tax….my witheld was 366 on fedrl and 66 on state as on w2….i already got my retrn for fed (366+refund rebate = 666) and my state refunds enroute in a month…..wat is suggested? and wat r the consequences?? what are the chances of anything?? ur reply would be highly appreciated….ohh i m frm India….
I filed my 1040 and state 1040 in last week of Feb 2009 (both returns were accepted and I received refunds for both). Subsequently I received a corrected 1099 from my online broker. Now the tax still remains the same (with the new figures from corrected 1099 ). Do I have to still file 1040x and state 1040x ? Any reply would be highly appreciated.
I am filing amended returns for a friend. The original preparer filed them as single & head of household, it should have been done as married filing jointly. Do I file two amended returns or 1? And, HOH return had a refund, do I enter this on line 19 of the 1040x as a negative number?
I need help on my 1040x amended form, i keep getting stuck on line 6.
My husband and I filed an amended U.S. Income tax return form 1040X 3 weeks ago for the $8000 first time homeowner credit to be applied to our 2008 taxes. I was wondering if anyone knew when we could expect to receive that credit. We filed our original return by turbo tax and had that direct deposit into our account, will the credit also be direct deposit or do we have to wait for a paper check?? Please someone help me!!!
Hi Kimberly, I sent my amended return in Mid-March. I received a notice from them almost 8 weeks later that stated they could not find my original return and to send in a copy. Then I called the hotline to talk to a real person who told me she didn’t know why I received that letter, everything was there. What’s worse is the person who receives my resent tax return & amendment will wonder why I sent it in since they have it. So, I don’t know if I have to wait another 8 weeks to get my refund or not. Good luck to you!