What if I haven't received my refund or paid the taxes I owe from my original return?

You can still amend even if you haven't received your original refund or paid the taxes you owe. However, we often recommend you don't amend your return until after you've received your refund or paid the amount due from the original return. The IRS may automatically correct your return for missing or incorrect W-2s or 1099s or other mistakes. If the IRS corrects your return, you don't need to amend your federal return and you'll receive a notice explaining the adjustment or asking for more documents.

If you do need to amend, keep this in mind:

• If you're expecting a refund, you must file an amended return within 3 years after the date you filed your original return or within 2 years after the date you paid tax, whichever is later.
• If you're expecting to owe more taxes, you can avoid penalties and interest if you file your amended return before the filing due date. After the filing due date, penalties and interest can increase every day you choose to wait.