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How far back can you amend taxes, and what forms are needed?

How far back can you amend taxes, and what forms are needed?

Answer:

Amended returns: In order to obtain a credit or refund, an amended federal or state tax return must be filed within 3 years after the date you filed the original return or within 2 years after the date you paid the tax, whichever is later. A return filed early is considered filed on the due date. For example, even if you filed the 2008 returns early, you would have until April 15th, 2012, or 3 years from your 2008 tax returns original due date of April 15th, 2009, to file an amended 2008 Form 1040 or MO-1040. Federal Form 1040X is used to amend Forms 1040, 1040A or 1040EZ. You can find Form 1040 and instructions at the following website:

Amended Returns: irs.gov

Published: July 29, 2013
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Rick Gossett

As COO of Tarkenton Companies for more than 20 years, Rick has been responsible for business software development, unique partnerships, business educational content and consulting, and more. Rick was the originator of Tarkenton Companies’s consulting service and initially handled all of the questions himself. Prior to joining Tarkenton Companies, Rick owned and operated a private practice as a CPA. Prior to that, he was a Senior Manager at Pannell Kerr Forster in tax and audit, as well as Principal in Ernst & Young's small business advisory group.