# I made a big error on my taxes and need to know how to fix it!

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-made-a-big-error-on-my-taxes-and-need-to-know-how-to-fix-it/150946>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [January 26, 2003, 1:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-made-a-big-error-on-my-taxes-and-need-to-know-how-to-fix-it/150946 "2003-01-26T01:02:36Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Cubsfan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/f4b2a3/32.png) [@Cubsfan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cubsfan)\
**Post date:** [January 26, 2003, 1:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-made-a-big-error-on-my-taxes-and-need-to-know-how-to-fix-it/150946/1 "2003-01-26T01:02:36Z")

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I filed my taxes electronically and didn’t realize until after I had transmitted them that I had forgotten to claim the $1500 Hope tax credit. So right now my return that was transmitted says that I owe $158 dollars when I really have $1342 dollars owed back to me!

I am using Tax Cut. Please tell me there is something I can file to get the tax credit or replace this return.

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**Author:** ![Violet](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/ebca7d/32.png) [@Violet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Violet)\
**Post date:** [January 26, 2003, 2:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-made-a-big-error-on-my-taxes-and-need-to-know-how-to-fix-it/150946/2 "2003-01-26T02:46:36Z")

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1040X. An amended return. Should be one to download online. See IRS site.

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**Author:** ![David\_Simmons](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/9de053/32.png) [@David\_Simmons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/David_Simmons)\
**Post date:** [January 26, 2003, 3:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-made-a-big-error-on-my-taxes-and-need-to-know-how-to-fix-it/150946/3 "2003-01-26T03:44:34Z")

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Listen to **Violet**. I don’t believe you have made an income tax mistake until after 15 April. And even then, if the IRS owes you money an amended return will get it for you and if you owe them the only thing that happens is you pay a penalty, and interest besides if you wait too long.

The only really bad mistake deliberate tax evasion.