402-721-7662

Help!  I filed my taxes wrong!

What should you do if you have made a mistake on your taxes?  The first thing you should do is not panic – and secondly you should go about correcting the error. The longer you wait the more work it is to correct the error – and it can be more costly the longer you wait to resolve the problem.  If you made an error and you owe addition tax, the IRS charges interest and penalties from the due date of the return until all of the tax is paid.

The proper fix to the mistake depends on various factors –

  • Did you file a return or not?
  • Did you get a notice from the IRS?
  • The kind of mistake that was made.

If you didn’t file a return, but later received some information (like a 1099 or a notice from the IRS) that shows that you should have filed a return, you will want to file the return as soon as possible.

If is not unusual to receive a notice from the IRS stating that there was incorrect information on your return.  These notices typically include a full explanation of the error and instructions on how to respond.  Sometimes the IRS erroneously believes that a return needs to be corrected – if you get a notice from the IRS and you believe it is incorrect, make sure to respond accordingly.

Depending on the type of mistake that was made, an amended return may need to be filed.  Amended returns can not be filed electronically, so a paper return will need to be prepared.

If you are not sure about how to fix a mistake, you can call the IRS toll-free at 1-800-829-1040.

Often times taxpayers can resolve the problem on their own or with a phone call to the IRS.  However, in some cases it is wise to get a tax professional to help.

If you would like our help with fixing an incorrect tax return, please Contact Us.