If you need to make changes to your return after it has been filed, you may need to file an amended return. In order to avoid confusion, it is usually best to wait and amend a return after the IRS has accepted the original return and you have received your refund, if applicable.

Federal Form 1040-X - Amended Return

For years prior to and including 2020, Federal 1040-X Forms can only be completed with TaxAct's Desktop Editions. You can order prior year programs through the TaxAct website Access Prior Year Tax Returns via the Download Products tab.

Federal amendments can only be completed with TaxAct's Plus or Premium programs. If you are using the Free Federal Edition, you will be prompted to upgrade your return when you go to access the amendment section of the Q&A. 

To start a new return or sign in to an existing return, you will need to know the Username and Password that you set up for your account at the time of registration to access an existing Desktop return.

To complete the amended return:

1. Locate a copy of your originally-filed return. If you didn’t print or save your return when you e-filed, you will need to obtain a copy from the IRS or your state tax agency.
2. Review your returns and determine what corrections you need to make.
3. Return to the Q&A interview and modify, add, or delete the information that needs amending. Make a note of each item you are changing and the reason for each change as you will need these notes to complete the amendment.
4. Click Filing, then click Amend Federal Return, located directly below the State tab.
   
   Note. If you receive an error when accessing Amend Federal Return that states you must first complete the Filing steps prior to Amending the return, click Filing, then click Mail Paper Return. You will just need to proceed through these screens until you are prompted to actually print the return (you do not need to print on paper, just viewing it is sufficient). Once you do this, you can go back to the Filing section to amend the return.
   
   
5. The program will proceed with the interview questions for you to enter the appropriate information. At the end of the process, you will be prompted to print the amendment form and will be provided the mailing address.
   
   Note. You may have already completed both Steps 1 and 2 listed on the Amended Return - Four Steps screen.

For tax years prior to 2020, the amended Form 1040-X return will need to be printed and mailed to the IRS. Attach any accompanying documents that may be required. These would be any forms created in the return due to the changes made or any documentation that would support the changes made (i.e. corrected W-2 form).

Note. Amended returns cannot be e-filed for tax years prior to 2020. Normal processing time for Form 1040-X is up to 16 weeks from the IRS receipt date. Please see the IRS Form 1040X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, Frequently Asked Questions webpage for additional information.

You may also need to verify with your state whether amending the federal return necessitates that you also amend your state return. State amendments must be mailed. 

You can check the status of your paper or electronically-filed amended return Form 1040-X using the IRS Where's My Amended Return? online tool or the toll-free telephone number 866-464-2050 three weeks after you file your amended return. Both tools are available in English and Spanish and track the status of amended returns for the current year and up to three prior years.

Note that any link in the information above is updated each year automatically and will take you to the most recent version of the document at the time it is accessed.