If you made an error on your tax return, don’t worry—there are two easy ways to fix it:
- A superseding return
- A qualified amended return
Superseding Return
A superseding return is an amended or corrected return filed on or before the original or extended due date. The IRS considers the changes on a superseding return to be part of your original return.
A superseding return is an amended return (Form 1040X) or a corrected return (duplicate Form 1040) filed on or before the original or extended due date. You can also file superseding returns for business entity returns, such as Form 1065 for partnerships and Form 1120 or Form 1120S for corporations.
How to File a Superseding Return
If you file a corrected duplicate return on Form 1040 or another form, you’ll need to snail mail the return to the IRS. You should put “SUPERSEDING RETURN – IRM 21.6.7.4.10” in red at the top of page 1 of Form 1040.
If you file an amended return on Form 1040X or another form, you may be able to electronically file it. If you can’t electronically file it, then follow the instructions above for mailing the Form 1040X to the IRS.
It doesn’t matter whether you file a corrected duplicate return or an amended return. They are both superseding returns as long as they are filed before the due date.
Qualified Amended Return
A qualified amended return is an amended return that you file after the due date of the return (including extensions) and before the earliest of several events, but most likely when the IRS contacts you with respect to an examination of the return. If you file a qualified amended return, you avoid the 20 percent accuracy-related penalty on that mistake.
A qualified amended return is an amended return that you file after the due date of the return (including extensions) and before the earliest of the date the IRS:
- contacts you concerning any examination (including a criminal investigation) with respect to the return;
- makes contact with you concerning an examination for claiming an abusive tax shelter benefit;
- contacts a pass-through entity in connection with an examination of an item on your tax return;
- serves a John Doe summons related to the tax liability of a person, group, or class of which you are a part; or
- announces formal guidance published in a settlement initiative to compromise or waive penalties, in whole or in part, with respect to a listed transaction in which you participated.
How to File a Qualified Amended Return
You simply file a Form 1040X or other form either electronically (if permitted by IRS rules) or by mail.
You do not have to specifically notate the amended return as a qualified amended return, but be sure to keep proof of the date the IRS receives the return in case you need to later show you filed a qualified amended return.
Takeaways
If you made an error on your tax return, don’t worry—there are two easy ways to fix your error:
- A superseding return
- A qualified amended return
A superseding return is an amended or corrected return filed on or before the original or extended due date. The IRS considers the changes on a superseding return to be part of your original return.
A qualified amended return is an amended return that you file after the due date of the return (including extensions) and before the earliest of several events; most likely when the IRS contacts you with respect to an examination of the return. If you file a qualified amended return, you avoid the 20 percent accuracy-related penalty on that mistake.
When it comes to the IRS, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. If you made a mistake, fix it as soon as you know about it, which will save you penalties, increased interest accruals, and the headache of an IRS review of your return.
If you have an error in your return, please call me on my direct line at 509-543-7600 or send a request HERE, so that we can get busy making the correction.
August 2021
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