When to Amend a Return, and When Not To

Finding an error after filing is common. Whether it needs an amended return depends on what the error is.

Usually no amendment needed

• A simple arithmetic error. The IRS generally corrects these and adjusts the result.
• A missing form the IRS already has a copy of — they may simply request it.
• A small typo that does not change any figure.

Amend when

• You left out income.
• Your filing status was wrong.
• You claimed a dependent you should not have, or missed one you should have.
• You missed a credit or a deduction you were entitled to.
• You received a corrected W-2 or 1099 after filing.

Time limits

There is a limited window to amend and still claim an additional refund. The general rule runs from the filing date or the payment date, whichever is later, and it is worth acting rather than waiting.

There is no equivalent limit on correcting something in the government's favor, which is a reason to fix an omission promptly.

What to expect

• Amended returns take considerably longer to process than originals.
• Wait for the original return to finish processing before amending it.
• Amending one year sometimes requires amending others.
• A state return may need amending too.

Bring it in

Call (432) 257-7547 or come by 700 C Andrews Hwy in Midland. We work in English and Spanish.