What happens if you file a duplicate tax return?

Asked by: Myah Cole V  |  Last update: February 21, 2026
Score: 4.4/5 (42 votes)

If you filed a duplicate tax return to correct a mistake on the original return, you will need to complete and submit Form 1040-X, which is an amended tax return form. You should eventually receive an acknowledgment back from the IRS confirming that the information on the first return has been updated.

What is the penalty for filing a false tax return?

Fraud and false statements

Applies to people who commit fraud or make false statements on tax returns. People assessed this penalty are charged with a felony crime and may be: Fined up to $100,000 ($500,000 in the case of a corporation)

What happens if I already filed my taxes and got another W2?

Share: Regarding filing an amended tax return, if you've already filed your return, you can't add another W-2 to your return. Instead, proceed by filing form 1040X to amend your return. Mail the completed 1040X to the IRS.

Will the IRS catch my mistake?

Will The IRS Catch It If I Have Made A Mistake? The IRS will most likely catch a mistake made on a tax return. The IRS has substantial computer technology and programs that cross-references tax returns against data received from other sources, such as employers.

What is the IRS reject duplicate condition?

Reject Code R0000-194 indicates the IRS has already accepted an original return that included the taxpayer or spouse SSN and thus cannot accept a second original return electronically with the same taxpayer identification number (SSN).

I lost my Form W-2 What are my Options?

31 related questions found

What happens if you double file taxes?

If a second tax return is submitted under the same social security number, the subsequent return will be flagged by the IRS's automated system, the return will be rejected, and an explanation and error code will be sent to you.

What causes the IRS to reject your return?

If your tax return was rejected, it could be due to a number of reasons – such as missing information. However, there could be another issue, like a name or number that doesn't match up with the data the IRS already has on file.

What is most likely to trigger an IRS audit?

Large changes of income

Probably one of the main IRS audit triggers is a large change of income.

What happens if you file a wrong tax return?

To Correct a Tax Return Mistake, File an Amendment

Your next move: file an amended tax return. Simply put, an amended return is usually filed because something was incomplete, incorrect or omitted from the original tax return.

How does the IRS know if your return is accurate?

The IRS reviews some federal tax returns to determine if income, expenses, and credits are reported accurately. The IRS selects returns for review using various methods; including random sampling, computerized screening, and comparison of information received by the IRS such as Forms W-2 and 1099.

Can I redo my taxes if I already filed?

If you need to make a change or adjustment on a return already filed, you can file an amended return. Use Form 1040-X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, and follow the instructions.

How many years can you file back taxes?

Claim a refund

If you are due a refund for withholding or estimated taxes, you must file your return to claim it within 3 years of the return due date. The same rule applies to a right to claim tax credits such as the Earned Income Credit.

Can I file my taxes twice if you forgot a W-2?

Taxpayers may need to file an amended return if they filed with missing or incorrect info. If they receive the missing or corrected Form W-2 or Form 1099-R after filing their return and the information differs from their previous estimate, they must file Form 1040-X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return.

What happens if you file a fake tax return?

Tax evasion is a risky crime, a felony, punishable by five years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine. *Incarceration may include prison time, home confinement, electronic monitoring or a combination.

What is considered tax evasion?

Tax evasion is the illegal non-payment or under-payment of taxes, usually by deliberately making a false declaration or no declaration to tax authorities – such as by declaring less income, profits or gains than the amounts actually earned, or by overstating deductions. It entails criminal or civil legal penalties.

Who is responsible for tax return mistakes?

Am I Responsible If My Tax Preparer Makes a Mistake? Yes. If you signed on the bottom line, you are responsible for a mistake on your tax returns and you are on the hook for any penalties the IRS charges. That said, the professional who prepared your return may offer to reimburse you for any losses due to errors.

How long does it take the IRS to catch a mistake?

“The time frame the IRS has to reach out to you about certain mistakes can be anywhere from 3 years to forever,” Cagan explained. “Usually if there is a critical number that doesn't match, you won't even be able to e-file your tax return as it will bounce right back.” A critical number could be a W-2 you forgot.

Which of the following significantly increases your chance of being audited by the IRS?

High income

As you'd expect, the higher your income, the more likely you will get attention from the IRS as the IRS typically targets people making $500,000 or more at higher-than-average rates.

Will the IRS let me know if I made a mistake?

An IRS notice may alert you to a mistake on your tax return or that it's being audited. You can verify the information that was processed by the IRS by viewing a transcript of the return to compare it to the return you may have signed or approved. You can access your tax records through your account.

Which tax returns get audited the most?

Audit rates are generally highest for high-income taxpayers, taxpayers with business income, large corporations, and earned income tax credit claimants.

How much income can go unreported?

For the 2022 tax year, the gross income threshold for filing taxes varies depending on your age, filing status, and dependents. Generally, the threshold ranges between $12,550 and $28,500. If your income falls below these amounts, you may not be required to file a tax return.

What is the IRS 6 year rule?

6 years - If you don't report income that you should have reported, and it's more than 25% of the gross income shown on the return, or it's attributable to foreign financial assets and is more than $5,000, the time to assess tax is 6 years from the date you filed the return.

How many times can your tax return be rejected?

Very odd-usually the IRS will force you to print and mail after 5 rejected e-file attempts.

What happens if I put the wrong Social Security number on my tax return?

If you made a mistake in entering a Social Security number, a payer's identification number, omitted a form, or misspelled a name, you can correct these errors and electronically file your tax return again. Unfortunately, there are other errors that will cause you to have to file your return by mail.

Does TurboTax catch mistakes?

TURBOTAX ONLINE GUARANTEES. 100% Accurate Calculations Guarantee: If you pay an IRS or state penalty or interest because of a TurboTax calculation error, we'll pay you the penalty and interest.