Here’s a tip that is worth reviewing each year, as adjustments to your income tax return may become apparent. This is often common with the advent of changing tax rules and as the IRS finalizes rules on recently passed tax legislation. To amend a tax return is not always the answer. Here are some tips to consider.

Errors in the IRS’s favor

Errors discovered that result in an additional tax obligation must be corrected by filing an amended tax return. This is especially true if the discovered error is due to missing information on a Form 1099 or a Form W-2. Why? This information is being reported to the IRS, and matching programs will typically catch the error. The sooner you amend your return and pay the tax, the lower the possible interest and penalties.

Errors that result in a lower tax liability

If correcting the error or omission results in a large additional refund, the answer is usually obvious. File the amended return. But this is not always the case.

• There can be an extension period of time during which the IRS can audit your tax return. Federal tax returns are typically subject to audit for three years after the original tax return due date or the date the return was filed, whichever is later. If you file an amended tax return, the audit clock may change based on the amended return filing date and degree of change requested. It may trigger an IRS request to extend the audit review period. The refund also resets the IRS’s erroneous refund recovery statute, adding another 2 to 5 years during which the IRS can review the refund, based on the date of the latest tax return refund.
• The amended return may be examined. Amending a tax return puts a spotlight on your tax return. The IRS has certain topics that trigger individual examinations for amendment requests. Amended tax returns based on things like the Earned Income Tax Credit, Qualified Business Income Deduction, and the Research Tax Credit for small businesses could result in a visit from your local IRS examiner. Because of this, keep all the necessary records to substantiate your amended tax return close at hand.
• Amending one tax return may require amending several other returns. Making a minor change in one year may require you to make changes in other tax years. Is it worth it?
• Don’t forget other taxing authorities. Making a change on your federal tax return may require you to file an amended state or local tax return. Do not assume that an amendment in your favor at the federal level will necessarily also be in your favor at the state and local levels.
• Don’t expect the refund to be timely. The process of amending a tax return can take a long period of time. There have been cases where the IRS has delayed the initial review of an amended return for more than a year, only to decide to examine the return. While not typical, the process could take up to 18 months to resolve.
• Timing is important. Remember, there is also a time limit for requesting a change to your tax return and receiving an additional refund. This is typically three years after the initial filing deadline of the tax return. Make sure you file these tax returns using certified mail. Should the IRS delay responding to your amendment, you may need to prove the timing of it.
• You have a chip in your pocket. If the refund amount is not large enough to justify an amended tax return, keep the documentation anyway. Should you receive an audit letter, you can often present your case at that time to offset any additional tax.

To amend a tax return

While finding an error or omission on your tax return can be unsettling, rest assured there are ways to fix the problem, but it is often worth taking a balanced approach to determine the best solution. Contact our RRBB advisors today if you have questions or need assistance.