Correcting Prior Year Tax Mistakes
Situation #1:
You’re preparing your income tax return for the current year and notice that you forgot to claim a large charitable contribution.
Situation #2:
You prepared your tax return and filed it on time, then you receive a corrected Schedule K-1 from an LLC in which you are a member.
What to do:
In both cases, and in all other cases where you recognize a mistake in a previously filed return, make the correction. Corrections are made using IRS Form 1040X.
Form 1040X is reasonably straightforward. It allows you to show summary level data on a single page. There are 3 columns. Column 1 shows the summary level data as previously filed. Column 2 shows the changes. Column 3 shows the corrected amounts.
The reverse side of the form provides space for explanation of the change.
Increased Risk of Audit?
An amended return can be a red flag for audit, but it doesn’t have to be. Because of its nature, a 1040X will get a closer look from the IRS than an original return. This is particularly true when a large refund is being requested.
Our suggestion is that you prepare an airtight documentation package supporting any additional deductions, then attach that package to the amended return. The amount of documentation will vary based on the circumstances. For the overlooked charitable contribution, a copy of the confirmation letter from the charity should be plenty. Attaching this documentation to the amended return provides an answer to the questions that will most readily occur to the reviewer and could very well close the file without audit.
Time Allowed to Amend Returns
Generally, for a credit or refund, you must file Form 1040X within 3 years (including extensions) after the date you filed your original return or within 2 years after the date you paid the tax, whichever is later. If you filed your original return early (for example, March 1 for a calendar year return), your return is considered filed on the due date (generally April 15). However, if you had an extension to file (for example, until October 15) but you filed earlier (i.e. July 1), your return is considered filed on July 1.
