What IRS Form 1040X (2020) Is For

Form 1040X (2020) is the Internal Revenue Service form used to correct a previously filed tax return. Taxpayers must file an amended return if they need to fix mistakes or update details on their 2020 federal income tax return. You use this form to amend your income, deductions, filing status, or credits, including the earned income tax credit.

You must file Form 1040X for the 2020 tax year if you need to change your 2020 Form 1040, 1040-SR, or the retired 1040A or 1040EZ. The IRS requires that you use the January 2020 revision of the form and submit all supporting documentation, such as schedules and state forms that reflect your corrections.

When You’d Use Form 1040X for 2020 (Late or Amended Filing)

You may need to amend your return if you received new income information, such as missing W-2 or 1099 forms, or if you want to claim credits you missed on your original return. Common reasons include:

• Correcting your income, filing status, or deductions on a previously filed tax return
  
  
• Claiming the Recovery Rebate Credit or other credits that you qualified for but didn’t claim
  
  
• Reporting additional tax from a corrected form or a late income statement
  
  
• Adjusting withholding or reporting additional tax payment to reduce interest and penalties

The refund deadline for 2020 tax returns generally expired on May 17, 2024. Refunds can no longer be claimed after three years from the original due date; however, taxpayers should still file to correct their records or pay any additional tax that may be owed.

Key Rules Specific to 2020

• The Recovery Rebate Credit allowed taxpayers to claim missed stimulus payments—up to $1,200 per eligible person plus $500 per qualifying child.
  
  
• Disaster-related relief applied to federally declared disaster areas, allowing penalty-free retirement withdrawals and increased casualty loss deductions.
  
  
• Charitable deductions were expanded for contributions to disaster relief.
  
  
• The health coverage mandate penalty remained suspended for this tax year.

Step-by-Step (High Level)

1. Gather records: Collect your original tax return, IRS transcripts, W-2s, 1099s, and other income documentation.
   
   
2. Use the correct form: File the January 2020 version of Form 1040X and check the box for the 2020 tax year.
   
   
3. Attach schedules: Include all relevant forms and schedules that support your changes, along with any updates to state tax returns.
   
   
4. File return: You may electronically file using approved e-file software or mail your paper check and Form 1040X to the IRS address listed in the instructions.
   
   
5. Keep copies: Retain all filed forms, payments, and supporting documentation for your records.

When filing an amended return, enter your changes using three columns—Column A for your original figures, Column B for changes, and Column C for corrected totals.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

• Filing a correction before your initial return is fully processed: Wait until the IRS finishes processing your original return before submitting Form 1040X to avoid duplicate processing.
  
  
• Using the wrong year’s IRS form: Always use the January 2020 revision of Form 1040X when amending your 2020 federal return to ensure proper acceptance.
  
  
• Including penalties or interest yourself: Let the Internal Revenue Service calculate any interest or penalties, as adding them manually can create errors.
  
  
• Filing multiple amended returns before one is processed: Submit one amended return at a time and wait for confirmation before filing another to avoid confusion.
  
  
• Forgetting to explain changes in Part III: Always provide precise details for every correction you make; incomplete explanations can delay your amended return status.
  
  
• Omitting required supporting documentation: Attach all necessary forms, schedules, and state forms so your corrections are fully supported and processed correctly.

Taxpayers must file an amended return to correct any mistake on a federal return. Doing so promptly may limit additional tax, penalties, and interest that accrue from the original due date.

What Happens After You File

The IRS process for an amended tax return usually takes 8–12 weeks, but it may extend to 16 weeks. You can track your amended return status using the “Where’s My Amended Return?” tool on the IRS website about three weeks after submission.

If you owe additional tax, the department will send a notice with your new balance, including interest from the original filing deadline. You can pay by direct deposit, check, or electronic payment. If you can’t pay in full, file Form 9465 for an installment agreement.

For refunds, the IRS will issue payment by direct deposit or by paper check when possible. Refunds are typically applied first to any outstanding federal or state tax liability.

FAQs

Can I still amend my 2020 return in 2025?

Yes, you can file Form 1040X for the 2020 tax year to correct an error on your previously filed tax return. However, the refund window closed on May 17, 2024. You may still need to amend your return if you owe additional tax or to fix records with the Internal Revenue Service.

What penalties apply if I owe additional tax?

Late payment penalties of 0.5% per month (up to 25%) and interest apply from the original due date, April 15, 2021. There’s no penalty for filing an amended return itself, but you must pay promptly to avoid more interest or penalties.

How do I get my 2020 tax transcripts?

You can request them from the IRS website, by phone at 800-908-9946, or by submitting Form 4506-T. These help confirm your original return data before completing Column B and Column C of Form 1040X.

Do I also need to amend my state tax return?

Generally, yes, you do. When you amend your federal return, you must file a corresponding state tax return to match changes in income, deductions, or credits. Check your state’s department of revenue website for deadlines.

Can I e-file my 2020 amended return?

Yes, you can electronically file using approved IRS e-file providers. If not supported, you can mail your form. Keep a copy of the return file and note the date submitted for your records.