"John D. Goulden" <jgoulden[at]okcu.edu> wrote

- quote -

If any of the changes pertain to a form or schedule, you
need to attach that corrected form or schedule (C, E, F,
etc).

There is space on the back of the 1040X to tell them what
the changes are. You can be as brief as you like, or write a
novel if you like. The best part is, you can always write
"See Attached" and attach (to the back) an explanation that
is longer in detail.

Most times just saying "Forgot to report interest from XYZ
Bank of $XX" or "Omitted second mortgage interest of $XXX
paid to Uneeda Mortgage Company" is sufficient.

You may also need to let them know if the change you made
impacted any credits.

--
Paul Thomas, CPA
paulthomascpapc[at]bellsouth.net

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"John D. Goulden" <jgoulden[at]okcu.edu> wrote:

- quote -

You explain the changes in the last section of the 1040X, at
the bottom of page 2. Just tell them what changes were
made, you do not need to explain why.

But, if your mistakes were mathematical errors on the return
or attached schedules, I would wait. IRS eventually
processes all returns for mathematical accuracy and they
will send you a notice proposing the additional tax. Since
original and amended returns are not processed in the same
system, you will probably get this notice, even if you
correct the mistakes on an amended return.

Lanny K. Williams, CPA
Nawarat, Williams & Co., Ltd.
Income Tax Services for Expatriate Americans

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John D. Goulden wrote:

- quote -

You don't need a cover letter, just explain the changes in
Part II.

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"John D. Goulden" <jgoulden[at]okcu.edu> wrote:

- quote -

As much as I hate to discourage someone who wants to
maintain a tradition of writing letters, save yourself the
ink and paper, and save the poor IRS Receipt and Control
clerk the trouble of yanking the letter and stapling it to
the back of the return without reading it.

There's space on the 1040-X to explain yourself.

--
Phil Marti
Clarksburg, MD

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John D. Goulden wrote:

- quote -

There is no need to send a cover letter. If they want an
explaination they will write to you and ask for one. Just
send in the form 1040X and the check for the difference. Be
sure to put your SS# and 1040X and 2005 on the memo line of
the check. This proves that it is for you and you paid it.

Missy Doyle

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- quote -

No cover letter. Just the forms and the check. You do have
to put a very brief explanation in Part II of the 1040X, but
keep it to just a few words for each line in Part I that has
a change. For example, it could be "Line 1 - Add interest
that was omitted from original return."

Bob Sandler

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I have already filed my federal and state tax returns; those
returns have been processed and refunds received. However, I
made a couple of errors on my 1040 that necessitate filing
amended returns (both federal and state) and sending some
money back in. The errors were straightforward and easy to
correct, but I'm getting mixed signals as to whether or not
I should include a short cover letter explaining the changes
made. What is the opinion of the group on this - send a
cover letter, or just the forms (and checks)?

--
John D. Goulden

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