Individual taxpayers use IRS Form 1040-X (Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return) to correct errors or change a previously filed Form 1040 or Form 1040-NR.

Purpose of Form 1040-X
  • Correction or Changes: To correct mistakes, omissions, or other changes on a previously filed tax return.
  • Common Corrections. Taxpayers frequently have to file amended returns to report income or deductions omitted from the original return, change their filing status, or correct the number of dependents eligible for the child tax credit (CTC).
  • Due Date for Filing. An individual can generally file Form 1040-X anytime. However, if you are filing Form 1040-X and expect to receive a tax refund for changes made on the return, the filing must be submitted within three years from the date you filed your original return or within two years from the date you paid the tax, whichever is later. Otherwise, the statute of limitations on the refund claim is closed and the IRS will not process a refund.
Key Information Required
  • Basic Information. The taxpayer’s name, current address, Social Security Number (SSN), and tax year being amended.
  • Original and Corrected Amounts. Columns A, B, and C on Form 1040-X show the original amounts, net changes, and corrected amounts for income, deductions, and credits.
  • Recomputed Tax Liability. The taxpayer recalculates their tax liability using the corrected income, including adjustments to payments, refunds, or amounts owed.
  • Changes to Dependents in Part I. Report any changes to the number of dependents claimed on the tax return.
  • Explanation of Changes in Part III. The return requires the taxpayer to provide a narrative that clearly explains each change made and the reasons for the changes. Any changes to forms or schedules, or the addition of new forms and schedules, must be attached to Form 1040-X.  
Video Tutorials

Please visit our channel links below for some detailed tutorials on how to prepare Form 1040-X for various scenarios:

Additional Information

Taxpayers can find more information in the Form 1040-X Instructions and on the IRS website.