Filing Form 1040X When We Need to Correct Our Filed Tax Return
If this is your first time visiting, check out the story behind this blog. Otherwise, please join the others by subscribing to my RSS feed or get updates via email so you don't miss any personal finance articles!

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!
Sick and tired of constant phone calls from creditors? It's time to sort out your debt. Get debt help now from experts in debt management and find out if an IVA is the right option for you.Subscribe to Personal Finance Blog by Money Ning!
You can follow me on twitter now! Alternatively, subscribe to my RSS feed or get blog posts through email if you enjoyed this post. You might even win a prize or two!8 Responses to “Filing Form 1040X When We Need to Correct Our Filed Tax Return”
Leave a Reply
Pingbacks/Trackbacks
-
Money Tip Heaven » Credit Card Cash Advances on February 7th, 2008 at 4:44 pm Says:
[...] Filing Form 1040X When We Need to Correct Our Filed Tax Return [...]








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,