You may need to file an amended return if you discover a mistake or need to update information after your tax return has already been filed and accepted by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
An amended return lets you correct or update your return so it accurately reflects your tax situation.
What changes require an amended return?
You should consider filing an amended return if there’s a change to any of the following:
Filing status
Income you forgot to report or reported incorrectly
Deductions you didn’t claim or claimed incorrectly
Credits you missed or need to adjust
Dependents you need to add or remove
The refund amount or tax you owe
If any of these details change after you file, amending your return helps ensure your taxes are accurate.
When you don’t need to file an amended return
You generally don’t need to amend your return if the IRS:
Notified you that they corrected minor errors on your return
Adjusted math errors or missing forms without requesting more information
In these cases, the IRS will handle the correction for you.
Not sure if you should amend?
If you’re unsure whether your situation requires an amended return, the IRS offers an online interview tool that can help you decide.
You can also wait until your original return has finished processing before taking next steps.
Is there a deadline to amend a return?
To claim a refund, you generally need to file an amended return:
Within three years of the date you filed your original return, or
Within two years of the date you paid the tax
Whichever date is later applies.
If you filed your original return before the April filing deadline, that deadline is typically used as the starting point for the three-year period.
Situations that may give you more time
Some situations allow additional time to amend your return, including:
A federally declared disaster
Service in a combat zone or contingency operation
Claiming a bad debt or worthless security
Claiming a foreign tax credit or deduction
Applying a loss or credit carryback
The IRS has special rules for these cases, so timelines may vary.
Key takeaway
You only need to file an amended return when something on your original return needs to change. If you’re correcting income, credits, dependents, or filing status, amending helps keep your tax record accurate and up to date.
If you’re not sure, it’s okay to pause and confirm before filing—amending is common, and the process is designed to handle corrections.
This content is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as tax, legal, financial, accounting, or other advice. Rules and regulations vary by location and are subject to change, so please consult with an expert if you need advice specific to you.
Any third-party links are provided for informational purposes only. The third parties and their sites are not endorsed by April and April is not responsible for, and has no control over, their content, privacy policies, or terms of service.