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How do I file an amended federal return? Form 1040X

Jose Luis Martinez

If you need to make any adjustments to your federal tax return, you may need to file an amended return. Generally, you don’t need to file an amended return for any math errors on your return. The IRS will typically correct math errors automatically and will send a request if they require you submit any additional documentation.

Go to this section in Credit Karma Tax: Start Amended Return

Credit Karma Tax no longer supports preparing amended returns for 2017 or earlier tax years. If you need to amend your 2017 or earlier tax return, you should print a copy of the original return and file your amended return with the IRS or state tax authority. You can review Topic Number 308 - Amended Returns from irs.gov for more information about federal returns or check with your state’s tax authority for how to file an amended state return.

When do I need to file an amendment?
Deadline to amend your federal tax return
Where’s the refund from my amended return?
Where do I send my amended return?
IRS Contact Information

When do I need to file an amendment?

You may need to file an amended return if there are any changes to your:

  • Filing status
  • Income
  • Deductions
  • Credits

Use Form 1040X (Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return) to correct any previously filed return, or if you are claiming any carryback due to a loss or unused credit

There may be special rules that apply to refund claims relating to:

  • Net operating loss
  • Foreign tax credits
  • Bad debts
  • Other issues

Please note:

  • You can't file an amended tax return electronically under the e-file system
  • Include any form or schedules affected by the change or that support changes made on your return.
    • This may include a Form W-2 received after the original filing, a Form W-2G or 1099 if income tax was withheld, or any other forms or schedules.
  • You will need to to file a separate Form 1040X for each tax year you're amending. Mail each Form 1040X in a separate envelope.
  • Be sure to enter the year of the return you're amending at the top of Form 1040X
  • The form has three columns:
    • Column A shows original figures (the original return) or adjusted figures (prior amendments or exam changes)
    • Column C shows the corrected figures (what they should be)
    • Column B is the difference between Columns A and C
  • A change to your federal tax return may affect your state tax liability. Generally, if you are amending your federal tax return, you should also file an amended state return.

Deadline to amend your federal tax return

If you are claiming a tax refund with an amended federal tax return, the IRS typically requires the amended return to be filed within 3 years of the filing date of the original tax return (including extensions), or within 2 years of the date you paid the tax, whichever is later.

How long will it take the IRS to process my amended federal tax return?
It typically takes the IRS up to 16 weeks to process amended returns from the date your Form 1040X is received by the IRS via postal mail.

Where’s the refund from my amended return?

  • You can check the status of your Form 1040X (PDF) using the Where's My Amended Return? online tool or the toll-free telephone number 866-464-2050 three weeks after you file your amended return.
  • Once your amended return has been processed (up to 16 weeks), you will receive any additional refund you are owed.
  • If it has been over 16 weeks and you still have not received your amended refund check, you can find more information about your refund by calling the IRS customer support line at 1-800-829-1040.
    • The IRS can only research your return if it has been over 16 weeks since you mailed it or if the Where's My Amended Return? online tool directs you to call
  • The IRS may contact you if they find errors on your amended return.

Tip: When calling the IRS customer support line, you can press 1 (for English), then press 0 (zero), and you should be able to talk to a live person at the IRS. The best time to reach the IRS is between 7-9 AM and 6-7 PM, Monday-Friday.

Where do I send my amended return?

When mailing a Form 1040X to file an amended federal tax return:

  • Remember to sign your amended return before you mail it to the IRS!
  • If the changes involve any additional forms or schedules, attach that schedule or form to the amended return
  • If your amended return is claiming an additional refund, you should typically wait until you have received your original refund before filing Form 1040X. You may cash that check while waiting for any additional refund.

For residents of Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas:

Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service Center
Austin, TX 73301-0052

For residents of Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming:

Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service Center
Fresno, CA 93888-0422

For residents of Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Georgia, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia and West Virginia:

Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service Center
Kansas City, MO 64999-0052

IRS Contact Information

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