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The Daily Insight

How far back can you amend income tax returns?

Author

John Thompson

Published Mar 29, 2026

three years
Is there a time limit for amending a return? The IRS advises that you generally must file Form 1040X to amend a return within three years from the date you filed your original tax return, or within two years of the date you paid the tax, whichever is later.

The Internal Revenue Service limits the amount of time you have to file a 1040X to the later of three years from the date you file the original tax return, or two years from the time you pay the tax for that year.

Can you file an amended tax return for 2020?

Only Tax Year 2019 and 2020 1040 and 1040-SR returns can be amended electronically at this time. Amended Returns for any other tax years or tax types must be filed by paper. There must be a record of an “original” electronically filed return for Tax Year 2019 or Tax Year 2020.

Can you file an amended tax return electronically?

If you need to amend your 2019 or 2020 Forms 1040 or 1040-SR you can now file the Form 1040-X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return electronically using available tax software products. What are some reasons that an Amended Return cannot be filed electronically? Amended Returns must be filed by paper for the following reasons:

When is the best time to file an amended tax return?

Comparing the two Forms 1095-A can help you assess whether you should file an amended tax return, Form 1040X. Three-year time limit. You usually have three years from the date you filed your original tax return to file Form 1040X to claim a refund. You can file it within two years from the date you paid the tax, if that date is later.

Why do I need to amend my tax return?

File an amended tax return to correct errors or make changes to your original tax return. For example, you should amend to change your filing status, or to correct your income, deductions or credits. Don’t amend for math errors, missing forms. You normally don’t need to file an amended return to correct math errors on your original return.