Amending Your Income Tax Return

• Can I change my federal income tax return?
• Can I Use Tax Preparation Software to Amend My Return?
• Can I e-file a 1040X?
• How do I amend my state tax return?

Can I Change My Federal Income Tax Return?

Once you have dropped your original income tax return in the mailbox or sent it off electronically, you can no longer change that return. (One exception: If your e-filed tax return is rejected, you can make changes before sending it in again.)

If you want to make changes after the original tax return has been filed, you must file an amended tax return using a special form called the 1040X, entering the changes and explaining why you need to amend your original tax return. You don't have to redo your entire return, either. Just show the necessary changes and adjust your tax liability accordingly.

Can I Use Tax Preparation Software to Amend My Return?

Yes. TurboTax walks you step by step through amending your federal income tax return.

• If you have not made corrections in TurboTax since filing your return, your original amounts will flow to Form 1040X when you start the amendment process. You'll enter your corrections to complete the form. For steps, see Amend Your Return Using Original Tax Information.


• If you've already made corrections in TurboTax since filing your return, your corrected amounts will flow to Form 1040X when you start the amendment process. To complete the form, you'll enter the amounts from your original return. For steps, see Amend Your Return Using Revised Tax Information.

Can I E-File a Form 1040X?

No. The IRS isn't set up to accept an amended return electronically. You must print it out and send it in by mail.

How Do I Amend My State Tax Return?

First fill out an amended federal income tax return, to get that corrected. Then get the amendment form from your state, and fill it out.

Don't forget to attach a copy of your amended federal return (Form 1040) to your amended state return before mailing it in.

Updated for tax year 2007