Incorrect Tax Return (2024)

Home > Get help > > Incorrect Tax Return

Published: December 21, 2021 | Last Updated: October 24, 2023

A tax return can be incorrect or incomplete for many different reasons – from simple things like forgetting to sign a form to big issues like misreporting income or incorrectly calculating a credit. It can also happen because of various errors when filing electronically.

What do I need to know?

Depending on when you realize the error and what the error is, you have different ways to fix an incorrect or incomplete return.

If you’re electronic filing your return and the IRS rejects it

If you’re using IRS’s fillable forms, and the Electronic Filing (E-file) system rejects your return, it’ll provide an error code telling youthe problem. Some rejected returns are caused by incorrectly entering a Social Security Number or other taxpayer identification number.

Usually you can correct the error and try to e-file again. IRS.gov has a tool to walk you throughcommon rejections. If you make the correction and theIRS still rejects the return, you can send it to the IRS by mail. (For more information about e-filing, seeFree File Options.)

If there’s a mistake and the IRS sent you a notice or returned the form

If information is missing, the IRS will either return the form or send you a notice askingfor specific information it needs to finish processing your tax return. Simply send the information to the address on the notice or call the number on the notice, if you have questions.

Actions

What should I do?

If there’s a mistake and the IRS sent you a notice or returned the form

If the IRS changed an amount on your tax return

The IRS sometimes makes changes because of a miscalculation. The IRS might also believe, based on other information on the return, that you’re eligible for a credit you didn’t claim.

No matter the reason for the change, if you disagree at all, reply to the IRS immediately.

Gather any documentation to support your position and be ready to fax it.
Contact the IRS by mail or by calling the number on the notice you receive.
Follow the IRS’s instructions to submit any supporting documentation and always keep copies.

The IRS is considering changing an amount onyour taxreturn, due to an examination after it processed your taxreturn

This is called an audit. If it audits your return, the IRS will notify you by mail, and the notice will tell you if the audit will be handled by mail or in person. For more information, see Audits by Mailor Audits in Person.

If you receive a different refund amount than you expected or none

Changes to tax returns during processing and other situations canchange the amount of your refund.

Different amount: If the refund isn’t the amount you expected, you shouldreceive a notice explaining why. If you don’t receivea notice or you believe the IRS changed your refund incorrectly, contact the IRS or order a transcript to find out about any IRS changes.
No refund: If you don’t get a notice explaining why you didn’t receive a refund as expected, contact the IRS right away. The refund may have been offset against other debts, inadvertently routed to the wrong bank account or mailing address, or possibly stolen bysomeone.

The Where’s My Refund?tool can help you findyour refundstatus.

How will this affect me?

If the IRS has contacted you about an error, it’s importantfor you to respond quickly. If you delay in responding promptly and correct errors or provide information, itcan lead to:

Additional tax;
Possible penalties and interest;
A different refund amount than expected; or
No refund at all.

Ifyour refund is lost or stolen, it may take additional time to resolve. If you believe your refund was lost or stolen, the IRS needs time to verify what happened to it before issuing a replacement refund check. It’s extremely important to contact the IRS right away.

If you receive a refund you’re not entitled to, or an amount that is more than you expected, do not cash the check or spend the direct deposit refund until you receive a notice explaining the difference, then follow the instructions on the notice. If you cash the check or spend the refund and are ultimately not due that amount, you’ll have to repay it with interest.

Wait, I still need help.

The Taxpayer Advocate Service is an independent organization within the IRS that helps taxpayers and protects taxpayers’ rights. We can offer you help if your tax problem is causing a financial difficulty, you’ve tried and been unable to resolve your issue with the IRS, or you believe an IRS system, process, or procedure just isn’t working as it should. If you qualify for our assistance, which is always free, we will do everything possible to help you.