You filed your tax return and breathed a sigh of relief. Then you realize that you forgot to include something important. In general, you can file an amended return and claim a refund within three years after your original return is filed, or two years after paying the taxes, whichever is later.

So, if you filed your 2024 tax return and paid the taxes owed on April 1, 2025, you have until April 1, 2028 to amend the return. Math errors might not require filing an amended return, as the IRS may catch and correct such mistakes.

However, do file an amendment if there’s a change in filing status, income, deductions, credits or tax liability. Click here for a list of related FAQs.