Blog

We keep you up to date on the latest tax changes and news in the industry.

May 23, 2023

Did You Overlook Something on a Prior Tax Return?

Article Highlights:

Repercussions of Incorrect Tax Returns
Filing Amended Returns
Statute of Limitations for Refunds
Potential of Audit

It is not uncommon to discover that an item of income was overlooked, a deduction was not claimed, or that an amended tax document was received after the tax return was already filed. Regardless of whether the oversight will result in more tax due or a refund, it should not be dismissed.

Failing to report an item of income will most certainly generate an IRS inquiry, which typically happens a year or more after the original return was filed and after the interest and penalties have built up. On the other hand, if you have a refund coming, you certainly don’t want that to go by the wayside.

The solution is to file an amended return as soon as the error or omission is discovered. Amended returns can also be used to claim overlooked credit, correct filing status or number of dependents, report an omitted investment transaction, include items from delayed or unexpected K-1s and corrected or late filed 1099s, and account for an overlooked deduction or anything else that should have been reported on the original return.

If the overlooked item will result in a tax increase, penalties and interest can be mitigated by filing an amended return as soon as possible. Procrastination leads to further complication once the IRS determines something is missing, so it is best to take care of the issues right away.

Generally, to claim a refund, an amended return must be filed within three years from the date the original return was filed or within two years from the date the tax was paid, whichever is later.

If you are concerned that an amended return might trigger an audit, be advised that the fact that you amend a return does not, in itself, increase your chances of being selected for an audit. In fact, it might actually reduce your chances, especially if you are fixing something the IRS will find later anyway, such as through their program that matches the information forms (W-2s, 1098s, 1099s, K-1s, etc.) that they receive from employers and other payers with the income reported on your return. What concerns many taxpayers about amending returns is that an IRS employee must manually compare the amended return changes with the original. That is why the amended return must include a clear explanation and justification for the amendment and back-up documentation to support the changes, even if these were not required on an original return. If back-up documentation cannot be provided, the IRS may want to dig deeper.

That is why it is so important to provide proof or back-up documents to justify the changes being made. Let’s say you forgot to claim a $2,000 church donation. In this scenario, you definitely want to include documentation, such as copies of the acknowledgment letter from the church and your canceled check, supporting the increased deduction.

If any of the above applies to your situation, please give this office a call so we can prepare an amended tax return for you.

Share this article...

Facebook

Twitter WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Pocket Reddit Email

Sign up for our newsletter.

Each month, we will send you a roundup of our latest blog content covering the tax and accounting tips & insights you need to know.

I confirm this is a service inquiry and not an advertising message or solicitation. By clicking “Submit”, I acknowledge and agree to the creation of an account and to the and .

We care about the protection of your data.

“We are always looking to grow our business. Should you have any clients, friends, business associates looking for high quality accounting services from a CPA firm, please have them contact us.”

This e-mail (including any attachments) is only for the exclusive use of the individual to whom it is addressed. The information contained hereinafter may be proprietary, confidential, privileged and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If the reader of this e-mail is not the intended recipient or agent responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient, the reader is hereby put on notice that any use, dissemination, distribution or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. If the reader has received this communication in error, please immediately notify the sender by telephone or e-mail and delete all copies of this e-mail and any attachments.

IRS Circular 230 Disclosure: In order to ensure compliance with IRS Circular 230, we must inform you that any U.S. tax advice contained in this transmission and any attachments hereto is not intended or written to be used and may not be used by any person for the purpose of (i) avoiding any penalty that may be imposed by the Internal Revenue Code or (ii) promoting, marketing or recommending to another party any tax-related matter(s) addressed herein.

Richards Group PC, CPA We love to chat!

Please feel free to ask a question, our Ai chat assistant would love to help.

Please fill out the form and our team will get back to you shortly The form was sent successfully

First Name *

Last Name *

Email *

Mobile Number

Message *