It’s tax time, and there are now less than two months to go before the April 15 filing deadline. Americans are already filing their taxes with the hope of getting a refund quickly.
But what happens if you spotted a mistake, or forgot to include something, or otherwise need to amend your tax return?
The IRS has a page that shows the circumstances under which filers need to amend their returns.
“Although the IRS often finds and corrects errors during processing, there are certain situations in which you may need to file an amended return to correct an error or make other changes to your return,” the IRS says.
What are those situations? They include a change in filing status, deductions, income, credits, dependants, and tax liability.
Per the IRS, you do not need to file an amended return if the IRS has reached out to “Let you know that we corrected errors on your return” or “accept your return without certain forms or schedules or ask you to send them.”
Meet the “Interactive Tax Assistant”
On the IRS website, tax filers can interact with an Interactive Tax Assistant, which can help determine whether they should amend their tax returns.
This allows them to choose a year, answer whether they have yet filed this year’s tax return, and whether they have “received a notice from the Internal Revenue Service related to the change you are asking about for your 2024 tax return.”
You can change your filing status, from “single” to “married” or “married filing separate,” and based on answers to those and other questions, an answer is delivered as to whether filing an amended return is necessary.
To claim a refund, taxpayers can file an amended return “ within 3 years after the date you filed your original return or 2 years after the date you paid the tax, whichever is later,” the agency says, although there are some reasons for more time, from declarations of natural disasters to service in a combat zone.
Taxes Drama: Where The Amended Return Is
Those who have filed an amended tax return may be wondering where exactly their tax return is. The IRS offers a “Where’s My Amended Return?” page, which offers instructions.
“You should generally allow 8 to 12 weeks for your Form 1040-X to be processed. However, in some cases, processing could take up to 16 weeks,” the page says.
Also, to check on the status of their amended returns, tax filers need their Social Security number, date of birth and zip code. The tool is not available for business returns, injured spouse claims, Carryback applications and claims or returns with a foreign address.
IRS Nightmare: Can I Be Charged With Tax Evasion?
Sometimes, tax filers are worried about facing bad consequences, including even possible criminal charges for tax evasion.
However, according to H&R Block’s website, going to jail for tax evasion is a fairly rare occurrence. In 2015, per the tax-preparing company, just 1,330 taxpayers, out of the 150 million total taxpayers, were indicted for “legal-source tax evasion,” meaning tax evasion not connected to other crimes.
Those who are merely unable to pay their taxes are rarely charged with tax evasion; such charges are brought more often against people who file their taxes fraudulently or dishonestly.
Taxes This Year are Due on April 18th for Most People. Image Credit: Creative Commons.
Per H&R Block, tax evasion prosecutions usually result from audits, in which the IRS “finds errors that the taxpayer knowingly and willingly committed.” To result in prosecution, such errors are usually large and take place over a long period.
One example of what could lead to a prosecution, according to the tax preparer, is leaving out major sources of income, whether a one-time windfall or income from one particular business. Another big no-no is “dodgy behavior during an audit,” including lying to the auditor or refusing to provide requested documents after they are requested during the process.
About the Author: Stephen Silver
Stephen Silver is an award-winning journalist, essayist and film critic, and contributor to the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Jewish Telegraphic Agency, Broad Street Review and Splice Today. The co-founder of the Philadelphia Film Critics Circle, Stephen lives in suburban Philadelphia with his wife and two sons. For over a decade, Stephen has authored thousands of articles that focus on politics, technology, and the economy. Follow him on X (formerly Twitter) at @StephenSilver, and subscribe to his Substack newsletter
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