 TITLE: How Do You File an Amended Tax Return? CONTENT: Some tax return mistakes are caught and corrected by the IRS when it reviews your return. Other times, you may come across new information (perhaps a tax deduction you didn't know you could claim) or realize an error (mistakenly claiming a dependent), which you'll need to correct by filing an amended tax return. It's important to fix a mistake on your taxes, even if it leads you to owe more money than planned—it's better to update your return now than chance an IRS audit or steep fines later.\nConsider filing an amended return if you need to make any of the following changes:\n*   Adjusting the filing status on your tax return\n*   Claiming a different income amount\n*   Correcting the deductions you claimed (or failed to claim)\n*   Correcting the tax credits you claimed (or failed to claim)\n*   Changing the status of your dependents\nFor some errors, you might not need to file an amended return. Mistakes that may not require you to file an amended tax return include:\n*   **Mathematical errors**: Per the IRS, many mathematical errors are caught when tax returns are processed. When math errors are detected, the IRS typically handles them.\n*   **Missing forms**: Did you forget to attach a tax form to your original return, like a W-2 or 1099? If so, the IRS may mail you a request for this missing information when it processes your return.\nIf you're considering filing an amended return due to one of the mistakes above, the IRS advises you to wait until receiving the refund (if applicable) from your original return first. Then you can file an amended return to claim any additional refund amount. From there, you'll have to be patient: Amended returns typically take up to 16 weeks to process, according to the IRS. END