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There is no deadline. However after a certain point you won't be eligible for a refund or to make certain elections. And after a certain point, the IRS may not be able to collect on a non-fraudulent error you made, but you are welcome to pay anyway just in case you are being considered for a cabinet position.

If you did something fraudulent and want to come clean, it is best to get the 1040X filed before the IRS starts investigating.

If you forgot to claim a deduction, you have until three years after the original due date of the return (assuming you filed on time and didn't make any payments after the due date). You have seven years to claim a worthless security or a bad debt.

If you want to recharacterize an IRA contribution or take a corrective distribution, you have until the extended due date of your return (assuming you filed on time or filed an extension on time).

If you want to switch from a joint return to a separate return, the deadline is the original due date of your return.

There are a lot of different deadlines for a lot of different problems. You are always free to file, but it may or may not do you any good.

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Q: How many years do you have to amend a tax return?
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Can your use a W-2 form from three years ago if you didn't file the job on your tax return?

If you already have filed a tax return for that previous year, then you should amend your original return to correct that omission. Form 1040X is Amended U.S. Individual Income Return. You're allowed to amend 3 years after the date of filing your original return or two years after the date of paying taxes, if any, whichever is later. If you haven't filed a return for that year and weren't required to file, then you should file if tax was withheld to receive a refund of that tax.


How do you amend your tax return?

You file a Form 1040- X....fairly simple one at that.


How does one amend an already sent return and change the filing status?

To correct an error on the original filed income tax return you will have to use the 1040X Amended Individual Income tax return available by using the below related link.


How many years do you have to keep your tax returns?

The length of time you should keep a document depends on the action, expense, or event the document records. Generally, you must keep your records that support an item of income or deductions on a tax return until the period of limitations for that return runs out. The period of limitations is the period of time in which you can amend your tax return to claim a credit or refund, or that the IRS can assess additional tax. The below information contains the periods of limitations that apply to income tax returns. Unless otherwise stated, the years refer to the period after the return was filed. Returns filed before the due date are treated as filed on the due date. Note: Keep copies of your filed tax returns. They help in preparing future tax returns and making computations if you file an amended return.


What is an unfiled tax return?

Unfiled tax return means that you have not filed a tax return with the IRS, whether it be the current year or any previous years. Any tax returns not filed for this year or the previous six years need to be filed.

Related questions

How do you amend a Canadian 2008 tax return?

It is NOT called AMEND a tax return in Canada. How to change your return and obtain a copy of your notice of assessment or reassessment Click on the below related links


How to declare forgotten income on an already filed tax return?

amend the return.


Can your use a W-2 form from three years ago if you didn't file the job on your tax return?

If you already have filed a tax return for that previous year, then you should amend your original return to correct that omission. Form 1040X is Amended U.S. Individual Income Return. You're allowed to amend 3 years after the date of filing your original return or two years after the date of paying taxes, if any, whichever is later. If you haven't filed a return for that year and weren't required to file, then you should file if tax was withheld to receive a refund of that tax.


How do you amend your tax return?

You file a Form 1040- X....fairly simple one at that.


What does overpayment mean on your state taxes and what does it mean by Amend?

"Overpayment" means that you paid more income tax than you owed and, therefore, are probably due a refund. "Amend" means to send in a corrected tax return, which will take the place of the original return.


What should you do if you discover an error after you have filed your tax return?

You can amend it meaning you can change whatever you have filed for any correction. Many of the taxpayers do this just to file the returns on their due dates to avoid penalties then amend it later.


Can you file your taxes with w2's you already have and if one comes after you file can you file that one to or amend it?

Provided you were truthful in all that you said when you filed a tax return, most countries allow you to go back and amend a return you have filed if new information comes to light or you find you have made a mistake.Obviously if this means you owe more tax you will have to pay this immediately and if you have paid to much as a result of the amendment you will get tax back.The important thing is that if you do need to amend a tax return your SHOULD do so as soon as possible.


Where can I find federal tax forms for 2008 for someone who needs to amend their return?

Go to this link: http://www.efile.com/tax-form/tax-return-form/ . Scroll down to get to the 2008 forms and click on the PDF you want.


What happens if you enter the incorrect social security number for your child on your tax return?

If you enter a wrong social security number for the child you would have to amend your tax return and add the correct number.


How does one amend an already sent return and change the filing status?

To correct an error on the original filed income tax return you will have to use the 1040X Amended Individual Income tax return available by using the below related link.


If you filed taxes last year and filed wrong will you still be able to get the money back this year?

Yes. If you file your original (first) return before the due date, you have 3 years from the due date to amend and claim a refund. If you file your original return after the due date (and within 3 years after the due date), you have 3 years from the date you filed to amend and claim a refund. See Form 1040X instructions to amend your federal return. If you live in a state with personal income tax, you will also need to amend your state return. Most states use the same due dates and refund claim dates. Example 1: Your 2008 return was due on April 15th, 2009. Your original return was received by the IRS on February 21, 2009. You have until April 15th, 2012 to amend your return and claim a refund. Example 2: You did not file your 2008 return before the due date. The IRS received your 2008 return on March 25, 2011. You have until March 25, 2014 to amend your return and claim a refund. Example 3: You did not file your 2008 return before the due date. The IRS received your 2008 return on April 20, 2012. You filed outside of the time limit to claim a refund, so you cannot get a refund. You also cannot amend and get a refund.


How many years do you have to keep your tax returns?

The length of time you should keep a document depends on the action, expense, or event the document records. Generally, you must keep your records that support an item of income or deductions on a tax return until the period of limitations for that return runs out. The period of limitations is the period of time in which you can amend your tax return to claim a credit or refund, or that the IRS can assess additional tax. The below information contains the periods of limitations that apply to income tax returns. Unless otherwise stated, the years refer to the period after the return was filed. Returns filed before the due date are treated as filed on the due date. Note: Keep copies of your filed tax returns. They help in preparing future tax returns and making computations if you file an amended return.