{"id":402467,"date":"2026-08-04T10:04:22","date_gmt":"2026-08-04T15:04:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/?page_id=402467"},"modified":"2026-08-04T10:53:35","modified_gmt":"2026-08-04T15:53:35","slug":"made-a-mistake-on-your-taxes-a-guide-to-fixing-errors-and-avoiding-audits","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/tax\/tax-problems-audits\/made-a-mistake-on-your-taxes-a-guide-to-fixing-errors-and-avoiding-audits.html","title":{"rendered":"Made a Mistake on Your Taxes? A Guide To Fixing Errors and Avoiding Audits"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Made a Mistake on Your Taxes? A Guide To Fixing Errors and Avoiding Audits<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Balrina Ahluwalia, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Catherine Hodder, 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\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

A tax return<\/span> error made on a filed income <\/span>tax<\/span> return<\/span> may include miscalculated income, incorrect filing status<\/span>, or omitted deductions. To prevent penalties or audits, taxpayers<\/span> can correct these mistakes by filing IRS<\/span> Form 1040-X<\/span> to submit an amended return<\/span>. While honest errors differ from willful tax fraud, prompt correction ensures legal compliance and protects potential refunds.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

You filed your income <\/span>tax<\/span> return<\/span> for last year before the April 15th due date<\/span>, only to later realize you made a mistake. Maybe you forgot to claim the earned income credit<\/span> or opted for the standard deduction when you should have itemized. Whatever the case, a mistake on an income <\/span>tax<\/span> return<\/span> you’ve already filed doesn\u2019t have to be stressful. The Internal Revenue Service<\/a> (IRS<\/span>) has a specific form for correcting these situations. Millions of taxpayers<\/span> use it to submit amended <\/span>tax returns<\/span> each year. Understanding what\u2019s involved in the process can help you address the error sooner rather than later.<\/p>\n

This guide reviews what happens when you make a tax mistake, the step-by-step process for fixing it, and how to avoid common errors that can lead to an IRS<\/span> tax audit<\/a>. If this gets complicated or you have concerns regarding your situation, consider speaking with a lawyer. A solid tax attorney<\/a> who\u2019s licensed in your state<\/a> can help you understand your options.<\/p>\n

In the meantime, let\u2019s start with the potential consequences of an error.<\/p>\n

What Happens When You Make a Tax Mistake?<\/h2>\n

The consequences of a tax mistake depend on the nature of the error<\/a>. The IRS<\/span> distinguishes between an honest mistake due to negligence and a deliberate attempt to deceive, which is considered fraud.<\/p>\n

Negligence<\/h3>\n

In the context of tax filing<\/span>, negligence refers to the failure to make a reasonable attempt to comply with tax laws or to exercise ordinary and reasonable care in preparing a tax return<\/span>. If the IRS<\/span> determines that a taxpayer<\/span>\u2019s underpayment was due to negligence, it can impose a 20% penalty on the underpayment. If the negligence was on the part of a tax professional<\/span>, you may be able to avoid penalties since you didn\u2019t prepare your own taxes<\/span><\/a>. You\u2019ll still be responsible for any additional taxes<\/span> owed.<\/p>\n

For those with a good history of tax compliance, the IRS<\/span> may grant a first-time penalty abatement. If the IRS<\/span> uncovers tax fraud, however, the criminal penalties are far more severe.<\/p>\n

Tax Fraud<\/h3>\n

Tax fraud<\/a> is far more serious an issue and requires the IRS<\/span> to prove you acted with willful intent to deceive. The penalties are harsher and can include criminal charges. For simple, honest mistakes, the IRS<\/span> is primarily concerned with collecting the correct tax, not pursuing fraud charges.<\/p>\n

How To Fix a Tax Return<\/span> Error<\/h2>\n

The primary tool for correcting a previously filed <\/span>tax return<\/span> is IRS<\/span> Form 1040-X<\/span>, Amended U.S. Individual <\/span>Income <\/span>Tax<\/span> Return<\/span><\/a>. Let\u2019s review how and when taxpayers<\/span> should use <\/span>Form<\/span> 1040-X<\/span>.<\/p>\n

When Should You File an Amended Return<\/span>?<\/h3>\n

After you discover the error, keep a few considerations in mind about submitting an amended return<\/span>. In general, you must file IRS<\/span> Form 1040-X<\/span><\/a> within the later of:<\/p>\n