When you hand in your IRS tax return, it feels like a massive weight off of your shoulders. However, when you find that a problem exists on the return, it can be a real wake-up call: a shock to the system. Deciding if you should amend your IRS tax return is very important, and the decision that you make should be put together by a professional whom you can trust. Working with a CPA, for example, can help you to decide if the amendments are going to be worthwhile or helpful in the conventional sense.

  • Any mistakes or omissions can be filled in at a later date if you like. Should you want to do so, then you can file an amended return to correct things like errors in numbers. If you have made a mistake during the original filing, then you can do yourself a favour and amend your IRS tax return by sending it in again.
  • Just make sure that you use a Form 1040X, and that it is filed in paper – not electronically.
  • However, you shouldn’t amend your tax return if you want to correct arithmetical mistakes. Your original return that has financial mistakes on here is something that most people worry about, but the IRS will correct these mistakes for you so long as it’s clear to see where the mistakes have stemmed from.
  • Also, if you forgot to attach certain tax forms – a W-2, for example – as the IRS will simply drop you a request at the right time to get this information from you. Forgetting to attach something might seem like a major drama at the time, but the IRS can be quite easy-going about this.
  • Typically, if a three-year time period has passed, then you cannot amend the information provided any longer with a Form 1040X. If that timeframe has passed – or two years has passed since you paid the tax off – then you need to find a solution, usually with the help of a professional.
  • It can take a lot of time to decide if you are making the right calls, of course. Your best bet to get around such issues is to invest time and money with a tax professional, such as a CPA. They can take a closer look at where you are going wrong, what you are looking to amend or correct, and if that is worth your time.

As ever, professional help can be the key that you need to make the most of your tax returns each year. By working with a pro, you can decide if you are making the right calls or otherwise. Don’t just presume that an amendment is needed: check it out first.