All documents related to tax reports and refunds are quite complicated and hard to complete yourself. There are a great number of them, and each of the papers requires utter precision. That is why legal specialists recommend studying the law and the forms themselves very thoroughly so that no mistakes are made. It is pretty often that the filer forgets to append their signature or does not provide info in all the applicable fields, although you will always find instructions mentioning every detail on the official IRS web page. This article is dedicated to Form 1040-X and its peculiarities. You will find an overview of the document herein, together with a comparably short and clear set of the how-to-fill-it-out directive.
Form 1040-X has been renewed at the beginning of 2020 and is created to modify your income tax return. It consists of two pages and is only used if you have already submitted another document but are in need of modifying any information presented therein.
One needs to submit their tax return not later than 60 days after the due date, or they will be fined otherwise. There also is a punishment if you are filing the form to get a greater sum of a refund than you actually are supposed to receive.
Other IRS Forms for Individuals
In our database, we have hundreds of IRS forms for different types of taxpayers and life events. Check what other forms you might need.
You may choose to complete Form 1040-X in writing or type it out with a multifunctional automatic system. Use our form-building software to access a personalized template.
Specify the Year
The form begins by indicating the tax period. It is highly advisable that you look into the information about each tax year (especially 2017-2019) because, depending on the period, you will complete or leave certain fields in this paper blank.
Input the Name and SSN
Provide your last name, first name, and middle initial. Then, insert the nine-digit SSN.
Fill In Your Spouse’s Data
In case you are changing a separate tax report into a joint return (JR), write down your husband or wife’s complete name and SSN.
If you are modifying a JR, insert your name second if it has been entered second in the original paper.
Provide Your Current Address
This field is completed if your residential address does not match with the one you have input in an original return (OR).
Indicate Foreign Address
If applicable, type the foreign country name, the region, and the postal code.
Select the Filing Status
Even if your status has not changed since you created an OR, you must check one box herein.
Request a Full-Year Health Coverage
Leave this field blank if you are completing the document for 2019 or subsequent years.
Indicate Your Income and Deductions
Leave this section blank unless you wish to establish that something has changed. Remember that column A has to contain the original amount reported. Column B is dedicated to certain corrections you are willing to make. Column C shows the calculations you have made with the previously mentioned numbers. The lines in this part contain info about:
Complete Tax Liability
Fill out the lines in this section applying the same methods you used to while completing an OR.
Enter the Payments
Provide all necessary information and compute the total payments on line 17.
Input Data About the Overpayment or Amount You Owe
This section is completed to figure out the tax amount you must pay or the extra monetary funds you have delivered to the IRS. If you find yourself in a situation where you cannot transmit the requested sum, contact the IRS staff to work out a special plan.
Change the Exemptions and Dependents Info
Complete the fillable lines if applicable. Make sure to list all dependents, notwithstanding whether you have already claimed them in your OR or are adding new ones.
Donate to the Presidential Election Campaign Fund
This part is additional and does not affect the way your report will be processed or the sum of money you will receive (or provide for the IRS). If you chose not to support the fund in your previous return, you might voluntarily donate $3.
Declare the Purpose of Completing This Form
The paper will not be processed unless you state a clear reason why you are making amendments. Indicate it herein and attach relatable documentation.
Append Your Signature
Sign the form, date it, and provide information about your occupation. If you are filing a JR, your husband or wife should complete these lines as well.
Complete Paid Preparer’s Info
Completing tax-related documentation is never simple, and, logically, a lot of US citizens opt for seeking professional assistance. If you have chosen to hire a specialist who will fill the form out for you, they must print their name, sign, date the paper, provide details about the company they work for, and enter their PTIN. If a preparer is self-employed, check the corresponding box, and input their EIN, along with the phone number. If you are not paying this specialist, they should not append the signature.
