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Tax FAQ:

Tax Filing & Returns

Our Tax Filing & Returns resources explain federal filing requirements and common tax return issues for individuals and businesses.

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Tax Filing & Returns

An amended tax return is a tax return filed to correct or change information on a previously filed return. It may be necessary when you discover an error involving income, deductions, credits, filing status, or other information.

You should generally consider filing an amended return when the original return contains an error that affects your tax liability or other important information. Minor mathematical or clerical errors are often corrected by the IRS without requiring an amended return.

The deadline depends on the reason for the amendment and whether you are seeking a refund. Generally, refund claims are subject to specific limitation periods, so taxpayers should review the rules applicable to the tax year involved.

Yes, you may be able to file an amended return to claim a deduction or credit you were eligible for but did not claim on the original return, subject to applicable deadlines.

Yes. If you discover that income was omitted from your original return, you may need to file an amended return to correct the omission and pay any additional tax, interest, or penalties that apply.

Potentially. However, receiving an IRS notice does not automatically mean that filing an amended return is the appropriate response. You should first determine what the notice concerns and follow the instructions provided.

Filing an amended return does not automatically mean you will be audited. However, the amended return may be reviewed by the IRS, particularly if it involves significant changes or raises questions about the information reported.

Yes, in some circumstances you can file additional amended returns if another error is discovered. Each amendment should accurately reflect the changes being made and comply with applicable filing procedures.

You can generally use the IRS’s available amended-return tracking resources or contact the IRS to determine the status. Processing times can be substantially longer than those for an original return.

It can. If the amendment results in additional tax owed, your refund may be reduced or you may owe additional money. If the amendment results in a larger refund, you may receive an additional refund if the claim is allowed.

Electronic filing, commonly called e-filing, is the process of submitting a federal tax return electronically rather than mailing a paper return to the IRS.

Generally, electronic filing allows the IRS to receive a return more quickly than a paper return. Electronic filing can also reduce certain processing delays and mathematical or data-entry errors.

Many individual taxpayers and businesses can e-file federal tax returns, although eligibility depends on the type of return, tax year, and filing circumstances.

Electronic filing systems use security measures designed to protect taxpayer information. Taxpayers should use reputable tax software or qualified tax professionals and protect their login and personal information.

Certain amended federal tax returns can be filed electronically, depending on the tax year and type of return. Some situations may still require a paper filing.

Yes. Many business tax returns and information returns can be electronically filed, although requirements vary by form and entity type.

The IRS receives the electronic return and performs processing and verification procedures. You generally receive an acknowledgment indicating whether the return was accepted or rejected for processing.

A return may be rejected because of incorrect identifying information, mismatched records, duplicate filings, missing information, or other errors that prevent the IRS from accepting the electronic submission.

Yes. You can generally e-file your return even if you owe taxes. You will need to make arrangements to pay the balance by the applicable deadline.

For taxpayers who are eligible, electronic filing is generally faster and provides confirmation that the return was received. However, certain returns or special circumstances may require paper filing.

A tax filing extension gives an eligible taxpayer additional time to file a tax return. It generally extends the filing deadline but does not extend the deadline for paying taxes owed.

Individuals generally request a federal filing extension using the applicable IRS procedure or form. Businesses and other entities may have separate extension procedures depending on their tax return.

A standard federal individual income tax extension generally provides an additional six months to file. The exact deadline depends on the tax year and taxpayer’s circumstances.

No. A filing extension generally gives you more time to submit the return, not more time to pay the tax owed. Interest and potentially penalties can apply to unpaid tax after the original payment deadline.

If you cannot file your return by the regular deadline, you should generally consider requesting an extension even if you expect a refund.

Yes. Many businesses can request extensions, although the procedure and deadline depend on the type of business entity and tax return.

Generally, a regular extension must be requested by the original filing deadline. Special circumstances may provide other forms of relief, but taxpayers should not assume that a late extension request will be accepted.

A valid extension can generally prevent a failure-to-file penalty when the return is filed by the extended deadline. It does not necessarily eliminate penalties or interest related to unpaid taxes.

Generally, taxpayers cannot simply request another standard extension after the normal extension period expires. Special rules may apply in particular circumstances.

You should file the return as soon as possible and pay any tax owed. Additional penalties and interest may apply, but filing promptly can help limit further consequences.

Tax filing requirements determine whether an individual, business, estate, trust, or other taxpayer must file a tax return for a particular tax year.

Filing requirements depend on factors such as income, age, filing status, dependency status, self-employment income, and other circumstances.

There is no single income threshold that applies to everyone. Filing requirements vary based on factors such as filing status, age, dependency, and type of income.

Self-employed individuals may have a filing requirement even when their total income is relatively low. Self-employment income can also create additional tax obligations.

Not necessarily. However, certain circumstances can create a filing requirement even when little or no income was earned. Filing may also be beneficial when a taxpayer is eligible for refundable credits or other benefits.

Some dependents are required to file their own tax returns depending on their income and circumstances. The filing requirements for dependents differ from those for taxpayers who are not dependents.

Not necessarily. Whether Social Security benefits create a federal filing requirement depends on the taxpayer’s overall income and circumstances.

Investment income can create a filing requirement depending on the amount and type of income and the taxpayer’s other circumstances.

The IRS may assess penalties and interest and may take collection or enforcement action. Filing delinquent returns as soon as possible can help address the outstanding filing obligation.

Review the IRS filing requirements for the applicable tax year based on your income, filing status, age, dependency status, and other circumstances. A tax professional can also help determine your filing obligation.

A joint tax return is a federal income tax return filed by two spouses using the married filing jointly status.

Generally, legally married couples may qualify to file jointly if they meet the applicable federal tax requirements. Special rules can apply to spouses who are separated or whose spouse died during the tax year.

Married couples filing jointly may qualify for different tax brackets, deductions, credits, and other benefits compared with filing separately. The actual benefit depends on each spouse’s income and circumstances.

Generally, both spouses can be jointly and individually responsible for the tax, interest, and penalties associated with a joint return, even if only one spouse earned the income or made an error.

Potentially. However, a spouse’s prior tax debt can affect certain refunds or financial outcomes. Special relief provisions may be available in qualifying circumstances.

Yes. A joint return can generally be amended when an error or omission is discovered, subject to applicable rules and deadlines.

Generally, taxpayers who initially filed separately may be able to amend their returns to file jointly within the applicable period. Changing from joint to separate generally has more restrictive rules.

Both spouses should review the return carefully before filing. If a joint return has already been filed, different relief options may apply depending on the circumstances.

Generally, a joint return requires the participation and consent of both spouses. If your spouse will not agree to file jointly, you may need to consider another filing status.

Potentially. Joint filers can generally be jointly and individually liable for taxes arising from a joint return. In qualifying circumstances, relief such as innocent spouse relief may be available.

Married filing separately is a federal tax filing status that allows spouses to file individual tax returns rather than filing one joint return.

Some couples choose separate filing because of liability concerns, financial circumstances, student loan considerations, state tax rules, or other personal or tax-related reasons.

Not necessarily. Filing separately can result in higher taxes or the loss or reduction of certain deductions and credits. However, individual circumstances can make separate filing appropriate.

Yes. Married taxpayers can generally choose married filing separately even if they live together, provided they meet the applicable requirements.

Potentially. The ability to claim a child depends on the applicable dependency and qualifying-child rules, as well as the circumstances of the child’s living arrangements and both parents.

Generally, a taxpayer who filed separately may be able to amend the return to married filing jointly within the applicable deadline.

Generally, once a joint return has been filed, taxpayers usually cannot change to separate returns after the applicable deadline, subject to limited exceptions.

Certain credits may be unavailable or subject to stricter limitations for taxpayers who file married filing separately. The specific restrictions depend on the credit and tax year.

Filing separately generally means each spouse reports their own income and tax liability separately, but the specific liability consequences depend on the circumstances and applicable state and federal rules.

The better filing status depends on income, deductions, credits, state taxes, liabilities, and other circumstances. Comparing both filing methods before filing can help determine which produces the more favorable result.

Tax return preparation is the process of gathering financial information, determining taxable income and deductions, calculating taxes and credits, completing the appropriate tax forms, and submitting the return.

Common documents include Forms W-2 and 1099, interest and dividend statements, mortgage information, receipts for qualifying deductions, business records, investment statements, retirement information, and prior-year tax returns.

It depends on the complexity of your tax situation. Simple returns may be manageable with tax software, while businesses, investments, multiple income sources, tax disputes, or complicated deductions may warrant professional assistance.

Provide complete and accurate information about your income, expenses, dependents, investments, businesses, deductions, credits, and other relevant financial activity.

The taxpayer generally remains responsible for the accuracy of the information filed on the return. Depending on the circumstances, you may need to amend the return, respond to the IRS, or address penalties or additional tax.

The appropriate record-retention period depends on the type of document and tax situation. Taxpayers should retain records long enough to support their reported income, deductions, credits, and other tax positions for the applicable limitation periods.

Many tax professionals can electronically file eligible federal tax returns with the taxpayer’s authorization.

Use accurate source documents, reconcile income statements, review names and Social Security numbers, verify deductions and credits, and carefully review the completed return before filing.

Determine whether the error affects your tax liability or other information. If it does, you may need to file an amended return or take another corrective action.

Fees vary depending on the complexity of the return, the taxpayer’s circumstances, the type of tax professional, and the services provided.

A tax return is a document filed with a taxing authority that reports income, deductions, credits, taxes, and other information used to determine a taxpayer’s tax liability or refund.

Filing requirements depend on factors such as income, filing status, age, dependency status, self-employment, and other circumstances.

The federal individual income tax return deadline is generally in April, although the exact date can vary by tax year. Extensions may provide additional time to file.

A late return may result in a failure-to-file penalty and interest if taxes are owed. Filing as soon as possible can help reduce additional penalties.

You should generally file the return on time even if you cannot pay the full balance. Depending on your circumstances, payment arrangements or other IRS collection options may be available.

Electronic filers generally receive an electronic acknowledgment after submission. Taxpayers can also use IRS account and refund-status resources where applicable.

Processing times vary depending on how the return was filed, whether it requires additional review, and other factors. Paper returns generally take longer to process than electronic returns.

Yes. When an error affects the return, you may be able to file an amended return or take another corrective action depending on the circumstances.

Taxpayers should generally retain copies of filed returns and supporting records for the applicable record-retention period. Keeping prior returns can also make future tax preparation easier.

Read the notice carefully, determine what information or action the IRS is requesting, and respond by the stated deadline. If the issue is complex or you disagree with the IRS, consider obtaining professional tax assistance.

 
 
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