I made a mistake on my federal return already filed. What should I do?
Q) I made a mistake on my federal return already filed. What should I do?
A) According to the IRS: It depends on the type of mistake that you made:
- Many mathematical errors are caught in the processing of the tax return itself so you may not need to correct these mistakes.
- If you did not attach a required schedule, the IRS will contact you and ask for the missing information.
- If you did not report all of your income or did not claim a credit, you should file an amended or corrected return using Form 1040X(PDF), Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return.
When filing an amended or corrected return:
- Include copies of any schedules that have been changed or any Form(s) W-2 (PDF) you did not include. File 1040X only after you have filed your original return. Generally, for a credit or refund, you must file Form 1040X within 3 years (including extensions) after the date you timely filed your original return or within 2 years after the date you paid the tax, whichever is later.
- Please allow the IRS 8-12 weeks to process an amended return.
SEE Additional Information:
- Tax Topic 308, Amended Returns
- Instructions for Form 1040X (PDF), Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return
CALL FOR TAX REFUND ESTIMATE
Please see contact information for the IRS regarding your refund.
Individuals
800-829-1040
7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time
Businesses
800-829-4933
7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time
Non-profit taxes
877-829-5500
8 a.m. to 5 p.m. local time
Estate and gift taxes
866-699-4083
8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Eastern time
Excise taxes
866-699-4096
8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern time
Overseas callers
Use our International Services page.
Callers who are hearing impaired
TTY/TDD 800-829-4059
Requesting a face-to-face meeting for help
You can make an appointment at an IRS local office to get help. Appointment times vary by tax issues and office locations.
You can find the office closest to you with our Taxpayer Assistance Locator tool. Once you find your local office, call 844-545-5640 to schedule an appointment.
IRS offices are closed on federal holidays.