{"id":36034,"date":"2018-03-27T16:21:07","date_gmt":"2018-03-27T21:21:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/resource-center.hrblock.com\/?p=36034"},"modified":"2022-08-09T15:28:10","modified_gmt":"2022-08-09T20:28:10","slug":"top-four-reasons-to-file-amended-return","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hrbcomlnp.hrblock.com\/tax-center\/irs\/audits-and-tax-notices\/top-four-reasons-to-file-amended-return\/","title":{"rendered":"Top Four Reasons to File an Amended Return"},"content":{"rendered":"

Here are the Top 4 reasons to file an amended return (Form 1040X).<\/p>\n

1. Correct an error or omission to your income.<\/h2>\n

If you find out after you file that you left income off your return (from Form W-2 or 1099, for example), or you got a corrected information statement with different income or withholding amounts, you\u2019ll need to file an amended return to correct the error.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s true whether you should get a larger refund or will owe more in taxes. If you\u2019ll owe more in taxes and don\u2019t amend your return, the IRS will probably send you a CP2000 notice<\/a>, which could come with significant penalties.<\/p>\n

2. Change your filing status.<\/h2>\n

If your circumstances fit, you may want to change your filing status to one that benefits you more.<\/p>\n

For example, if you filed as Single when you qualified to file as Head of Household, that\u2019s a $3,000 hit to your standard deduction. You can\u2019t always change your filing status (that depends on your situation), but if you need to, it\u2019s a good reason to file an amended return.<\/p>\n

3. Change your deductions.<\/h2>\n

If you incorrectly claimed certain expenses to itemize your deductions or you accidentally included or left out a dependent, you should file an amended return to correct the errors. This could prevent problems later, like notices or an IRS audit.<\/p>\n

4. Claim a credit or correct a credit.<\/h2>\n

Credits are often tied to dependents on your return. But even with the right dependents, you might have claimed a credit you shouldn\u2019t have. Fix the error by amending your return. That will help you make sure you\u2019re getting your maximum refund without receiving a tax bill after the fact.<\/p>\n

What about when not to file an amended return?<\/h2>\n

Lots of people make this mistake every year \u2013 and it can really complicate their situation with the IRS.<\/p>\n

Here are a few common situations when people file an amended return, but shouldn\u2019t:<\/p>\n