{"id":354015,"date":"2016-04-04T10:48:06","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:48:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/tax\/tax-problems-audits\/income-tax-fraud-vs-negligence.html"},"modified":"2025-03-19T10:15:26","modified_gmt":"2025-03-19T15:15:26","slug":"income-tax-fraud-vs-negligence","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/tax\/tax-problems-audits\/income-tax-fraud-vs-negligence.html","title":{"rendered":"What Happens If You Make a Mistake on Your Taxes?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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What Happens If You Make a Mistake on Your Taxes?<\/h1>\n
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\n By Balrina Ahluwalia, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

If you make a mistake on your taxes, you can correct it by filing an amended return using IRS Form 1040-X, generally within three years of the original filing date. This form allows you to adjust your income, change your filing status, or modify deductions and credits. If the mistake involves simple math errors or missing forms, the IRS usually corrects these without needing an amended return. But, if there’s a possibility of negligence or fraud, it\u2019s best to consult an attorney or tax professional who can help.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n

You just filed your income tax<\/a> return for last year before the April 15th due date. What a terrific feeling \u2014 until you realize you made a mistake. Maybe you forgot to claim the child tax credit, or you opted for the standard deduction when you should have itemized.<\/p>\r\n

What should you do now?<\/p>\r\n

Don\u2019t worry. The Internal Revenue Service<\/a> (IRS) has a specific amended tax return form for voluntary disclosure of scenarios like this. Depending on the circumstances, making a correction can be painless. However, if going this route raises concerns for you, consider speaking with a tax attorney who can help you understand your options.<\/p>\r\n

Millions of taxpayers use IRS Form 1040-X to submit amended tax returns each year<\/a>. In this article, we\u2019ll review some of the basics behind amending your return to fix an error so that you can best determine your next steps.<\/p>\r\n

Amended Returns<\/h2>\r\n

IRS Form 1040-X<\/a> allows you to correct errors such as missed deductions, incorrect filing status, and forgotten income. Typically, you\u2019ll have three years from the filing date of your return to submit this amendment form.<\/p>\r\n

If you\u2019re within this timeframe and your tax return mistake is one that can be corrected on Form 1040-X, you may want to consider filing an amended return.<\/p>\r\n

Taxpayers can use the form for several types of common mistakes on their original tax return. This may include:<\/p>\r\n