for taxpayers about using tax form 1040X.

Unless you've amended a tax return before, you may not know

why taxpayers file a 1040X or when you should use it yourself.

This is because filing a 1040X form is only necessary

to correct certain types of errors or omissions

on an original tax return after it's been filed with the IRS.

The IRS only allows you to file an amended return

on Form 1040X to correct a tax return that you originally filed

on Form 1040, 1040A, 1040EZ,

1040NR or 1040NR-EZ.

But even if you file on one of these forms,

the changes you make on a 1040X must solely

relate to items that affect your taxes and not, for example,

to update your address, phone number or other personal information.

Typically, you can use the 1040X to increase

or decrease your gross income, to choose a new filing status

that you were eligible for, to claim deductions,

exemptions and credits you forgot to report

and to eliminate those that you aren't eligible for.

If you do claim a new deduction or tax credit

that requires additional forms or schedules,

you must be sure to file them with the 1040X.

And if you make changes to other forms and schedules

that you filed with the original tax return—

you need to prepare them over again.

However, it's not necessary to prepare the

actual tax return form again.

Before deciding to amend your return,

you should be aware that the IRS doesn't want you to file

a 1040X to correct minor mistakes,

such as mathematical errors or forgetting to attach

required schedules and forms to the return.

The IRS will check your return for mathematical accuracy

and will recalculate your taxable income if necessary.

And if you forget to attach a Schedule A when reporting

itemized deductions or fail to attach a W-2,

the IRS will request these documents from you

after it processes your return.

And don't forget, the changes you make to your federal return

may affect your state income tax return—

so you may need to check if an amended state return is necessary as well.

When you file your taxes with TurboTax,

we guarantee our calculations will be 100% accurate.

We'll also perform a variety of error checks to

help you file an accurate tax return.

If you do end up having to amend your return,

we can help you file a 1040X as well.

For more information about this and other tax topics, visit TurboTax.com.