updated for filing 2021 tax returns
what are the steps to correct errors on my tax return?
When you spot an error on your tax return after you’ve submitted it, there are three possible outcomes:
- irs finds the error and corrects it because it is a simple math or calculation error
- irs finds the error, cannot correct it and rejects your return
- the irs does not recognize the error and accepts the return
for each case, the path to follow is a bit different. the simple math or calculation error is obviously the simplest (your input is not required to solve the problem), so let’s talk about the second two results.
How do I fix my tax return if it is rejected?
if the irs computers look at your return and something doesn’t add up, your tax return is rejected. the problem could be as simple as a typo in a social security number or address.
The good news is that you can simply refile your taxes, without the need to modify the filing process. simply log back into 1040.com to see what part of your return needs to be corrected, make the change, and refile (oh, and there’s no extra charge!).
These are some of the most common errors:
- a name does not match social security records
- an address was entered incorrectly
- an employer identification number (EIN) was entered incorrectly
- a date of birth was entered incorrectly
- a child was already claimed on someone else’s return (usually a former spouse)
- using the “married” status filing separately” on a “community property” – az, ca, id, la, nm, nv, tx, wa, or wi – which is not allowed
- incorrect number used to identify yourself to the irs, such as an incorrect prior year employer identification number (ein) or agi
what do I do if my return is rejected even when everything is correct?
sometimes correcting an error in a rejected statement is not that easy. you can go round and round, trying to get your agi right, for example. you say it’s a number, the IRS says, “sorry, no, it’s not.”
check if you have an ip pin. even if you get your agi from the previous year correct, if you omit your ip pin, your tax return will be rejected.
so what do you do when you just can’t get your return accepted?
What if you’re sure about your details and the Internal Revenue Service keeps saying they’re wrong? this sometimes happens with names, social security numbers, and dates of birth. You could be entering exactly what’s on your child’s social security card, but the Internal Revenue Service says that’s not correct. what’s going on? In this case, the IRS is likely just relying on incorrect data it got from the Social Security Administration; sometimes errors creep in.
Our recommendation is to simply mail your return in cases like this. you can try to correct the problem with ssa and irs, but it’s not a quick fix and you don’t need to hold your return while you wait.
Don’t get us wrong: we’re crazy about electronic filing. we know that it is the fastest and safest way to declare your taxes. but for a small percentage of returns, it’s not perfect. like people and computers.
how do i fix an error on my taxes after the irs accepts my return?
If you found an error after the IRS officially accepted your return, you may wonder if there really is a problem. after all, if the irs approved it, doesn’t that mean your tax return was okay?
that depends on the error in the return. You normally don’t need to correct math errors: the IRS will detect and make those changes for you.
On the other hand, errors related to personally identifiable information (PII), marital status, dependents, total income, or tax exemptions must be corrected, which is done through the use of Form 1040x.
what is the 1040x form?
form 1040x—modified in usa. uu. individual income tax return is a special tax form used to correct errors on your tax return. it serves as a roadmap detailing any bugs and guides you to their fixes.
Your 1040x form is only part of the amended return; Be sure to attach your new and improved tax return with all the correct information. Once you have everything you need, you’ll need to print and mail your 1040x form and tax return in one package.
when should i file the 1040x form?
The IRS says you probably need to amend your return if you made a mistake in your filing status, income, deductions, or credits on your original return. you should also amend your return if you need to:
- correct information on your 1040, 1040-nr, or 1040-nr ez form
- make certain elections after the prescribed due date
- change previously adjusted amounts for the irs
- make a claim for a rollover due to loss or unused credit
If you are owed a refund on your original return, wait until you receive the refund before filing Form 1040x to claim an additional refund. On the other hand, if you owe more tax, you should file the amended return and pay the tax as soon as possible to reduce interest and penalties.
There is a three-year period to file an amended return to claim a refund. that means you have three years from the date you e-filed your original return, or two years from the date you paid the tax, whichever is later.
There are some special rules that may apply, so check the 1040x instructions for those.
modify more than one declaration? You will need to prepare a 1040x for each year you change. Write the year of the return at the top of the 1040x. the instructions on the form should tell you where to mail it.
what should I include with a 1040x form?
You must include a copy of your tax return with any incorrect or missing information corrected. document and record the changed information on form 1040x, and then mail the amended return with form 1040x to the nearest irs office.
can you file a 1040x form online?
form 1040x can now be filed electronically and is available through some companies. 1040.com does not currently offer 1040x e-file; however, even though you cannot submit the amended return online through 1040.com, you can use 1040.com again to correct the tax return and complete the 1040x form.
Before you begin filling out the 1040x, be sure to print your original return so you can refer to it. then print the 1040x form and the corrected version of your tax return and mail the completed package to the irs address provided below.