Discover all the tax services we offer
Get an instance service estimate
Comprehensive guides on everything you need to know from planning your expat journey to filing your expat taxes with ease.
Our Country Guides will help you understand the ins and out of your specific U.S. expat tax requirements.
Access up-to-date articles, breaking news, deadline information and in-depth case studies on US expat taxes.
Get the answers to all your questions and browse Greenback’s most frequently asked customer questions.
Sign up for one of our live webinars hosted by our expert accountant team or watch one on-demand today.
Subscribe to our monthly newsletter to get money-saving tips, expat tax news, and exclusive promos.
Learn how our straightforward pricing, easy process, and an expert team makes us uniquely qualified to simplify the hassle of expat tax filing.
We’ve assembled a team only the most experienced, knowledgeable, and friendly CPAs and IRS Enrolled Agents our clients can trust.
Read our client testimonials to get a feel for the Greenback experience straight from the expats we’ve worked with.
We’re featured in many reliable news sources thanks to our reputation as experts on US taxes abroad.
Whatever your expat tax needs, wheverver in the world, we’d love to hear from you.
Blog
Filing taxes can be a complicated process—especially for Americans living overseas. It’s easy to make a mistake. Fortunately, the IRS allows expats to amend their tax returns using Form 1040-X.
Here’s what you need to know.
Yes. If you need to update or correct a previous tax return, you can file an amended version using Form 1040-X: Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return.
If you made a mistake when filing your taxes, amending your tax return can protect you from penalties or additional interest. Alternatively, you can file an amended return to claim any tax credits or deductions you may have missed when filing the first time.
Other common reasons for amending a tax return include:
There are times when filing an amended tax return isn’t called for.
First, if you made a simple mathematical error when calculating your taxes, you generally wouldn’t need to file an amended return. The IRS will correct those types of mistakes when processing your return. If the error changes the amount you were required to pay, the IRS will send you a refund or a bill for any additional taxes owed.
You also usually wouldn’t have to file an amended return if you forgot to include a form in your return, such as W-2s or schedules. The IRS will contact you with a request for those forms if necessary.
Other times when you shouldn’t amend your tax return include:
In each of these cases, filing an amended return would likely complicate the situation unnecessarily.
You can file an amended tax return at any point after filing the original return. However, to receive a refund or claim a credit, you usually must file within whichever of these timelines is later:
If you filed your original return before it was due, the three-year deadline will start on the due date rather than the day you filed. For example, if the return was due on April 18 but you filed on February 1, you would have three years from April 18 to claim a credit or refund through an amended return.
If you requested an extension, on the other hand, the deadline will be three years from the date you filed the return, regardless of the due date. For example, if you requested an extension until October 17 and filed your return on August 1, the deadline for claiming a credit or refund would be three years from August 1.
When preparing to amend your tax return, the first thing to do is gather any documents you’ll need. The most obvious example of this is Form 1040-X, which you will use to amend the return. Aside from this, you made need other forms to complete it accurately.
For example, if you’re claiming a credit or deduction, you should have the documents that support your claim on hand. Or, if you’re adjusting the employment income reported on your return, you may a need new or amended Form W-2.
You will also need a copy of the tax forms you’re amending. That starts with your Form 1040 tax return itself, but it will also include other forms or schedules. For example, if you’re adjusting your capital gains or losses, you’ll need copies of Schedule D and Form 8949.
Even if you’re amending your tax return for a different reason, it’s always a good idea to check for opportunities to reduce your tax bill. The IRS provides several tax benefits for Americans living abroad, such as the:
Using these benefits, most expats can erase their US tax bill altogether. An expat tax professional can advise you on which options are available for you.
Next, just fill out Form 1040-X itself. This form features a list of any adjustments you can make to your return. Simply review your options and enter the adjustments you want to make.
Once you’ve completed Form 1040-X, you’re ready to submit it to the IRS along with any supporting documents.
If you filed your tax return online, you can e-file the amended return as well. If you filed your return through the mail, you will have to do the same with Form 1040-X.
Usually, the IRS takes up to 16 weeks to process an amended return. However, due to delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, they’ve increased that timeline to 20 weeks for tax year 2022.
We hope that this guide has helped you understand how to amend your tax return. If you still have questions, we have the answers. In fact, we can even prepare your expat taxes on your behalf.
At Greenback Expat Tax Services, we specialize in helping expats file their US taxes accurately and on time. Just contact us, and we’ll be happy to help you in any way we can.
Learn more about our services and flat-fee pricing to file your expat taxes.