How Do I Amend an IRS 1040 Tax Return?

On: November 30, 2018

1. Call the IRS and get all the income data, account transcripts and other available records the IRS in order to make sure you address all issues in your amended IRS 1040 tax return.
2. The form number of the amended tax return is 1040X. You can get it on the IRS website (irs.gov). Have either your tax professional or your prepare this form. It will have the original numbers of your original tax return, your proposed changes and the new totals and balance due (if any).
3. Attach a copy of the original 1040 tax return you are proposing to amend.
4. Keep a copy of the whole thing.
5. Mail it in Certified, Return Receipt Requested. Be sure that, however you send it in or walk it in, you have a record of not only that it was sent to, but that it was RECEIVED BY the IRS on a certain date.
6. It will take the IRS 8 to 12 weeks to process you amended return. You will receive a Notice of Proposed Changes approximately 30 to 60 days later. When you receive this Notice, it is time for your next action (the CA FTB can take 6 to 9 months to process if you are attempting to amend a California tax return).