Found a Mistake or a Surprise 1099 After Filing? Here's What to Do

Filing your taxes feels like a big win—until a surprise 1099 shows up or a mistake comes to light. It’s a common situation, and while it may seem harmless to ignore, doing so can lead to interest charges, penalties, or unexpected IRS scrutiny.

Fortunately, there’s a clear path to make it right.

Understand What’s Changed

The first step is to assess the impact, whether it's a newly arrived tax document or a simple math error. A missing 1099 could bump up your income and possibly your tax bill. An overlooked deduction, on the other hand, might mean you’re due a larger refund. Incorrect Social Security numbers, filing status, or misreported income all have the potential to cause problems.

Small discrepancies can trigger IRS notices. Addressing them promptly helps avoid complications and keeps you in control of the resolution process.

Why You Shouldn’t File a Second Tax Return

Once a return has been submitted, filing another original return won’t solve the problem—in fact, it can make things worse. Instead, the right move is to file an amended return using IRS Form 1040-X. It’s specifically designed to correct errors or report income that was missed the first time.

Form 1040-X lets you revise key areas such as income, deductions, and tax credits and provides space to explain what changed and why. Amended returns are processed manually, so expect the IRS to complete the review in up to 16 weeks.

Gather Everything You’ll Need

Before making any changes, take a few minutes to gather your paperwork. That includes the original tax return, the new or corrected documents (like a 1099), and any backup records that support the changes.

Having everything on hand makes it easier to update your return correctly and avoid delays. Comparing your original filing with the new information helps identify what needs to change.

Timing Is Key

You typically have up to three years from the date you filed the original return—or two years from the date you paid the tax, if that’s later—to file an amendment and potentially claim a refund. But if the changes mean you owe more, it’s best not to wait. The longer it takes to address, the more interest and penalties can add up.

Being proactive works in your favor. Taking action before the IRS flags the issue shows good intent, often leading to a smoother resolution.

Stay on Top of IRS Mail

If the IRS catches the discrepancy before you do, you’ll likely receive a notice explaining the issue. These letters aren’t always as scary as they seem, but they do need a response. Ignoring them can lead to additional complications.

Even if no letter arrives, don’t assume everything’s fine. If you know there’s a problem, taking care of it quickly helps prevent further issues and gives you peace of mind.

When It Makes Sense to Get Support

Some changes are simple to handle. But when dealing with multiple forms, complex income sources, or tax credits, getting support can save time and stress. Self-employed income, capital gains, or education credits can complicate things quickly.

A qualified tax advisor can review your documents, guide you through the amendment process, and help ensure nothing gets missed.

Talk to Certainty Tax Advisors Today

If you’ve filed your taxes and later realized something was off, don’t wait. Fixing mistakes or reporting new income isn’t just about staying compliant; it’s about avoiding bigger headaches later.

Let Certainty Tax Advisors help you sort things out and move forward with confidence. Whether you need help reviewing your return, gathering documents, or filing Form 1040-X, professional guidance makes the process smoother.

Don’t wait for a notice in the mail—call 718-676-4185 or use the contact form to get started. Act now to avoid costly delays and move forward with confidence.