If you filed taxes via efile and after it was sent, noticed an error on your part what do you do?

Question

I double entered a deduction. I believe my course of action is to wait until I get my return and the file an amended tax return along with a check for the difference. Am I right?

Answer 1

As a tax professional, I see folks with this and similar problems all the time. You have 3 years from the due date of the original return to amend it... but... do file it sooner. I'd definitely go ahead and prepare the 1040X (Amended Return) but wait until the refund came through on the original return before filing it... using the refund to pay the difference with.

Just be sure to explain the change on each affected line of the amended return, and attach any pertinent schedules or forms with changes on them to it.

Answer 2

You are right. Sometimes, the IRS will catch an error. It'll depend on the type of deduction it was. If you enter too much federal withholding, double your exemptions, or something like that, they will catch it before they send you the refund and simply reduce your refund to the correct amount. Wait and see what happens. If they don't catch it, file a 1040X to correct it after you recieve your refund.

Answer 3

You should file an amended return, but depending on the $$$ of the deduction, you might just let it go. If you get any notice from the IRS questioning the deduction, then you can file an amended return correcting it.

Answer 4

First you do not get a return you get a refund. Second you can refile the return with the correct information. Mark the Return CORRECTED in bold red letters up at the top. Include copies of the previous return showing the error and file it that way.

If a refund check comes you way before the corrected return gets filed DO NOT CASH THAT CHECK. Return it.

Answer 5

Yes, that sounds right. File the amended return by April 17 though.

Answer 6

I have recently been doing some extensive research on this very topic about taxes. I earge you to look up "Marcella Brooks Talk" on google video. Once your done with that, you can view another 15 min. video titled "Mistaken Identity Shannon". These two videos will give you a new outlook on this issue and how to go about solving your problem.