Federal Income Tax Return Filed Incorrectly: What Should I Do?

Because the IRS's tax laws are complicated, it is possible to mistake a mistake -- whether minor or major -- when preparing your federal tax return. In fact, the IRS encounters thousands every year. If you have already sent in your federal tax return, but realize you made an error, you need to amend the return. In light of this, the IRS makes this as easy as possible by providing you with printable forms that give you detailed instructions on how to amend previous filed incorrect federal tax return.
Steps to File an Amended Return
1. Obtain and print Form 1040X, which is titled "Amended US Individual Income Tax Return." From the IRS website. Form 1040X should be used if you originally filed forms 1040, 1040A, 1040EZ, 1040NR, or 1040NR-EZ.
2. Write the amending return year at the top of the form, complete your corrections on the form, and sign it at the bottom. The Form 1040X makes it easy to amend your return by listing step-by-step instructions on how to enter your corrections. Double-check that the amended return is 100% correct before signing it and preparing it to be sent.
3. Mail the completed and signed form to the address listed on the Form 1040X. If you are amending more than one tax return, you should fill out and send two separate forms and envelopes.
If you send in your amended tax return quickly, or shortly after the original return was sent, you may have a chance to get your return processed in a timely manner. However, you should expect a minor delay in your tax refund while the IRS verifies the old return versus the amended return. The amended refund form gives you the chance to make your corrections and receive the appropriate refund. In addition, if your federal income tax return had a mistake, your state tax liability may be affected.