Can you amend an amended tax return?
John Thompson
Published Apr 17, 2026
If you need to make a change or adjustment on a return already filed, you can file an amended return. Use Form 1040-X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, and follow the instructions.
You can file an amended return if you need to fix an error. You can also amend your tax return if you forgot to claim a tax credit or deduction. Here are ten tips from the IRS if you need to amend your federal tax return. When to amend.
Can I amend my taxes anytime?
To amend something means to change it, and that’s exactly what you do when you file an amended tax return. Anytime you need to change your filing status, income, deductions or credits, you will need to file a 1040X amended tax return along with any forms or schedules that you’re changing.
How many years can you amend tax return?
three years
You usually have three years from the date you filed your original tax return to file Form 1040-X to claim a refund. You can file it within two years from the date you paid the tax, if that date is later.
What kind of tax return do I need to amend?
If you need to make changes to a previously filed tax return, you’ll use Form 1040-X. The form allows you to correct errors on these IRS Forms. 1040: This is the main individual income tax return for federal income taxes, starting with the 2018 tax year.
Are there penalties for filing an amended tax return?
“There are no penalties for amending a return, but there can be penalties if there are amounts due on the amended return,” says Professor Dewey Martin, CPA and the director of the School of Accounting at Husson University in Bangor, Maine. If you owe, there may be late payment penalties and interest on the outstanding amount.
Do you have to file an amended 1040 with the IRS?
But, one thing is clear: Unlike an original Form 1040 – 90% of which are e-filed – amended returns are processed by an actual person at the IRS. That means the IRS doesn’t automatically accept amended returns.
Where can I Find my amended tax return?
You can call the IRS at 1-866-464-2050 or use its Where’s My Amended Return tool. The tool can provide the status of amended returns for the current tax year and up to three years prior.