Amended tax return how many times

Kimberly Lankford has been a financial journalist for more than 20 years. She received the personal finance Best in Business award from the Society of American Business Editors and Writers, and she has written three books. Note: We are currently in the process of replacing our commenting service, so it may take a few days for previous comments to appear. Login or register on AARP. You are leaving AARP. Please return to AARP. You'll start receiving the latest news, benefits, events, and programs related to AARP's mission to empower people to choose how they live as they age.

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Javascript must be enabled to use this site. Please enable Javascript in your browser and try again. Now Reading:. Membership My Account. Rewards for Good. It will tell you if your return is in received, adjusted, or completed status. We've received your amended return. We are processing it. It can take up to 16 weeks to complete processing.

We've made an adjustment to your account. The adjustment will result in a refund, balance due, or in no tax change. We've completed processing your return. We've mailed you all the information connected to its processing. You can check it daily. Some amended returns take longer than 16 weeks for several reasons.

If you realize you did not include the right filing status on your return, or if your income, deductions or credits need correction, file the return with your tax amendment using Form X , Amended U.

Individual Income Tax Return. You can also use this form for amending an amended return. If you're receiving a refund on your original return, wait until that return gets processed before submitting an amended return.

Wait until the first one gets processed before filing the amended return. Otherwise, your additional refund could be further delayed by additional processing times. It also helps to be familiar with some of the more-common occurrences that can trigger the need for an amended return in addition to just a mistake.

That way, you'll know to check your previously filed return if and when they happen. Because every taxpayer should have a basic understanding of what it takes to change their return after it's filed, here are 11 tips on how and when to file an amended tax return.

What if you just filed a tax return and then discovered a mistake the very next day. If the filing deadline, including extensions, hasn't passed, then you don't want to file an amended return. Instead, you can file what's called a "superseding return. A superseding return must be filed on a paper Form — e-filing is not allowed. We also recommend writing "Superseding Return" at the top of the form.

Since tax returns aren't due until July 15, or October 15 if extended , there's still time to file a superseding return this year. Say, for example, you filed a return back in February and, instead of getting a refund, elected to apply your overpayment against your tax liability. But then you lost your job in April because of the coronavirus pandemic and now wish you were getting a refund. If you file a superseding return before July 15, you can get the refund this year. It might take a while before the IRS is able to process your superseding return, since they're behind on tackling paper returns, but at least you won't have to wait until next year to benefit from the overpayment.

You don't need to file an amended return if you discover a simple math or clerical error on your return. The IRS can correct those types of mistakes on its own. An amended return isn't necessary if you forgot to attach a certain form or schedule to your return, either. The IRS will contact you by mail if they need additional information to fix these types of errors. However, you should file an amended return if there's an issue that changes your filing status, income, deductions, or credits.

If you do need to file an amended personal income tax return, you'll probably need to submit IRS Form X , which is used to:. You'll still have to file a paper amended return for other tax years…at least for now. You can use Form instead of Form X in limited situations. For example, Form might be an option if you had to repay income that was previously taxed or you're carrying back certain losses or tax credits. You should also use Form if you're requesting a refund of penalties and interest or an addition to tax that you already paid.

Otherwise, generally stick with Form X. Also make sure that you file a separate Form X for each tax year. Submit them separately, too. If filing a separate return, check the box at the top of the form to indicate the tax year for the return being amended.