Reasons and Rules for Filing an Amended Return

Sarah B

Once a tax return is filed, most people breathe a little easier. But it’s not uncommon to realize too late that something was left off a return, figures were misreported or some other error was made. Accuracy is essential, but, depending on the type of error, an amendment may not be required.


Reasons to Amend

Generally, you should amend only to correct reported items such as filing status, dependents, income, deductions or credits.

For example, you should file an amended return if:

  • You would have benefited from filing as head of household instead of single,
  • You incorrectly reported your number of dependents,
  • You received additional or corrected W-2s or 1099s after filing, or
  • You realized you qualified for a deduction or credit you didn’t claim.

Filing an amended return may also be beneficial if Congress passes retroactive tax law changes that affect your return.


Errors That Don’t Call for an Amendment

You don’t need to amend your return for math errors. The IRS will correct them. Also, if you forgot to attach a W-2 or schedule, the IRS will request the missing documents directly.

If you get a CP2000 notice (noting underreported income based on discrepancies between what the IRS has on file and what you reported), you shouldn’t need to file an amended return to report that income, even if there are corrections to the adjustments proposed by the IRS.


What and When to File

In general, you can file an amended tax return (Form 1040x) and claim a refund within three years from the date you filed your original return or within two years of paying the tax, whichever is later. For example, if you filed your 2024 tax return on April 15, 2025, you’ll have until April 15, 2028, to file an amendment.


Some exceptions allow more time. For instance, if you’re claiming a bad debt, the statute of limitations is seven years from the tax return’s due date for the year the debt became worthless.



You also may have an extended deadline if you were affected by a federally declared disaster or are eligible for other exceptions.

File a separate form for each year you’re amending and include all relevant forms and schedules. You can amend a return more than once.


Have Questions?

Amending your federal return may also require amending your state return(s). Other tax implications may apply. Contact the office for answers to your questions.


October 2025 Newsletter

By Sarah Bolton • October 3, 2025
Our regularly updated newsletter provides timely articles to help you achieve your financial goals. Please come back and visit often. Feature Articles Enhanced SALT Tax Break Will Help Many Homeowners 2 Important Changes for Businesses under the New Tax Law Tax Breaks for Medical Expenses Tax Tips Can Your Business Benefit from the WOTC? Say Goodbye to Paper Checks Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts for Your Business

October 2025: Upcoming Tax Due Dates

By Sarah Bolton • October 3, 2025
October 15 Individuals: File a 2024 income tax return (Form 1040 or Form 1040-SR) if an automatic six-month extension was filed (or if an automatic four-month extension was filed by a taxpayer living outside the United States and Puerto Rico). Pay any tax, interest and penalties due. Individuals: Make contributions for 2024 to certain existing retirement plans or establish and contribute to a SEP for 2024 if an automatic six-month extension was filed. Individuals: File a 2024 gift tax return (Form 709) and pay any tax, interest and penalties due if an automatic six-month extension was filed. Calendar-year bankruptcy estates: File a 2024 income tax return (Form 1041) if an automatic six-month extension was filed. Pay any tax, interest and penalties due. Calendar-year C corporations: File a 2024 income tax return (Form 1120) if an automatic six-month extension was filed. Pay any tax, interest and penalties due. Calendar-year C corporations: Make contributions for 2024 to certain employer-sponsored retirement plans if an automatic six-month extension was filed. Employers: Deposit Social Security, Medicare and withheld income taxes for September if the monthly deposit rule applies. Employers: Deposit nonpayroll withheld income tax for September if the monthly deposit rule applies. October 31 Employers: Report Social Security and Medicare taxes and income tax withholding for third quarter 2025 (Form 941) and pay any tax due if all of the associated taxes due weren’t deposited on time and in full. November 10 Individuals: Report October tip income of $20 or more to employers (Form 4070). Employers: Report Social Security and Medicare taxes and income tax withholding for third quarter 2025 (Form 941) if all of the associated taxes due were deposited on time and in full.

Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts for Your Business

By Sarah Bolton • October 3, 2025
Employers seeking to offer family-friendly benefits may want to consider flexible spending accounts (FSAs) for dependent care. These FSAs let employees make pre-tax contributions through payroll withholding to help cover eligible expenses. Because of the major tax bill enacted on July 4, 2025, the annual contribution limit, currently $5,000, will rise to $7,500 in 2026. FSA contributions reduce employees’ income tax and payroll tax and employers’ payroll tax. Withdrawals used to pay qualified expenses are tax-free. These include expenses for care for a child under age 13 or another dependent unable to care for themselves due to physical or mental limitations. Contact the office with questions.