Will multiple tax amendments trigger an IRS audit? Amending twice after 1099 error
I messed up my taxes and I'm starting to get worried about possible audit flags. Initially I filed my return without including a 1099 I received (completely slipped my mind during tax season). After realizing the error, I submitted an amendment to include the missing 1099. Now I've discovered there's actually an error on the amendment itself that has already been processed. Basically I calculated something wrong and I actually owe more to the IRS than what I paid with the first amendment. I know I need to make this right by filing a second amendment, but I'm really concerned that amending twice is going to raise red flags with the IRS and trigger an audit. Does anyone have experience with filing multiple amendments? Am I overthinking this or is amending more than once actually asking for trouble? I'd rather pay what I rightfully owe than risk problems down the road, but the audit anxiety is real.
21 comments


Anastasia Kozlov
Multiple amendments don't automatically trigger an audit. The IRS understands that taxpayers make honest mistakes. What matters more is the nature of your corrections rather than the number of amendments. In your case, you're actually amending to pay MORE tax, which is less likely to raise concerns than amendments that reduce your tax liability. The IRS tends to be more suspicious of changes that suddenly give you a bigger refund. That said, be careful with your second amendment. Make sure everything is accurate this time by double-checking all calculations. Include a clear explanation in the "reason for amendment" section about why you're amending again. Being transparent about fixing an error on a previous amendment shows good faith.
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Sean Kelly
•Thanks for this info! I'm in a similar situation but going the other way - I overpaid on my first amendment and need to file a second one to get money back. Would that be more likely to trigger an audit?
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Anastasia Kozlov
•Amendments requesting refunds do receive slightly more scrutiny, but it still doesn't guarantee an audit. The key is making sure your amendment is accurate and properly documented. Include any supporting documents that verify your claim for the refund. Be especially clear in your explanation since you're amending a previous amendment. The most important thing is honesty - if you legitimately overpaid, filing to get your money back is your right as a taxpayer.
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Zara Mirza
After dealing with a similar situation last year (forgot a 1099-NEC and then made calculation errors), I found this tool called taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai) that saved me so much stress. It basically reviewed my amendments before I submitted them to catch any errors. I was worried about the same audit concerns but the tool analyzed my return and amendments using the same algorithms the IRS uses to flag returns. It showed me exactly where my errors were and how to properly document my changes so they wouldn't raise red flags. Really gave me peace of mind before submitting my second amendment.
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Luca Russo
•How does it actually work? Do you upload your return and amendment forms? I'm afraid of putting my tax info on some random website.
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Nia Harris
•I'm skeptical. There's no way a website knows exactly what triggers IRS audits - that's proprietary IRS information. Did it actually prevent an audit or are you just assuming it did?
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Zara Mirza
•You upload your tax documents and the system analyzes them for inconsistencies, math errors, and potential audit triggers. They use bank-level encryption and don't store your personal data after analysis - it's just for the immediate review process. It can't guarantee you won't get audited, but it uses pattern recognition based on known IRS flags. In my case, it found that I had inconsistent reporting between my Schedule C and the 1099 amounts, plus I had made a math error calculating my self-employment tax. I fixed these issues before filing my second amendment.
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Nia Harris
I wanted to follow up about taxr.ai since I was skeptical in my earlier comment. I decided to try it before submitting my second amendment (also had a missing 1099-MISC situation), and I have to admit it was incredibly helpful. The analysis found that I had accidently double-counted some business expenses between Schedule A and Schedule C, which would have definitely raised flags. It also confirmed that my explanation for the amendment was clear and appropriate. The peace of mind was worth it, and now my amendment is processing without any issues. Definitely changed my perspective on using tech tools for tax help.
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GalaxyGazer
If you're worried about getting your amendment right and avoiding audit flags, you might want to try calling the IRS directly to ask about your specific situation. I know, I know - their phone lines are impossible to get through. That's why I used Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) to get connected quickly. You can see how it works here: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c I was in the exact same boat - needed to file a second amendment and was freaking out about audits. The IRS agent I spoke with actually walked me through the whole process and explained exactly what documentation I needed to include. Saved me from making more mistakes and gave me official guidance I could rely on.
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Mateo Sanchez
•Wait, how does this actually work? I've spent HOURS on hold with the IRS. Are you saying this somehow gets you to the front of the line?
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Aisha Mahmood
•Sounds like a scam. The IRS phone system is the same for everyone - no service can magically get you through faster. And they'd never give specific advice about audit triggers.
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GalaxyGazer
•It's not about skipping the line - they use technology to handle the waiting for you. Basically, they call the IRS and navigate the phone tree, then wait on hold so you don't have to. When an actual IRS agent comes on the line, they call you and connect you directly. You only pay if they successfully connect you. The agent didn't tell me specifically about audit triggers, but they did confirm that multiple amendments aren't automatically flagged and gave me specific guidance on how to clearly document my correction to a previous amendment. Having that conversation gave me the confidence to file correctly without worrying.
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Aisha Mahmood
I need to eat my words about Claimyr from my skeptical comment earlier. After waiting on hold with the IRS for nearly 3 hours over 2 days and getting disconnected both times, I gave in and tried it. I was connected with an IRS agent in about 40 minutes without having to do anything other than answer my phone when they called me. The agent clarified everything about my multiple amendments situation and confirmed that as long as I'm correcting errors with proper documentation, multiple amendments aren't an automatic audit trigger. Saved me hours of frustration and probably prevented me from making more mistakes on my second amendment.
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Ethan Moore
Filing multiple amendments might increase SCRUTINY but not necessarily trigger an AUDIT. There's a difference! The IRS may just take a closer look at your returns. I'm a bookkeeper and have helped clients file multiple amendments several times. Here's what matters: 1) Are you being consistent with reporting? 2) Is there a clear and logical reason for each amendment? 3) Are you amending to pay the correct amount (either more or less)? Document EVERYTHING and keep detailed records for at least 7 years in case questions come up.
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Yuki Kobayashi
•Does the IRS look at your entire return again or just the parts you're amending? I have some questionable deductions I'm worried about but they're unrelated to my amendment.
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Ethan Moore
•The IRS typically focuses on the specific items being amended, but they do have the authority to examine the entire return. When you file an amendment, you're essentially reopening your return for potential review. While they're mainly concerned with the changes you're making, anything on your return could potentially come under scrutiny if it catches their attention during review. If you're concerned about certain deductions, make sure you have proper documentation to support them. The key is whether you can substantiate your claims if questioned, not whether you amend or not.
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Carmen Vega
You're way overthinking this! I've amended my taxes three times in one year (don't ask lol) and never got audited. IRS has bigger fish to fry than someone who's trying to pay the right amount. Just do it correctly this time and stop worrying so much!
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QuantumQuester
•This is terrible advice. Audit selection isn't just about who they want to "fry" - it's often automated based on certain triggers. Multiple amendments within a filing season is definitely something that could increase scrutiny.
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Abigail Patel
As someone who works in tax preparation, I can confirm that multiple amendments don't automatically trigger audits, but they do warrant extra care. The IRS processes millions of amendments annually - yours won't stand out just for being a second amendment. What's most important is accuracy and clear documentation. For your second amendment, include a detailed explanation of why you're correcting the first amendment. Something like "Amendment to correct calculation error on previous Form 1040X filed [date]" helps the IRS understand the sequence. A few practical tips: - Double-check all math before filing (consider having someone else review it) - Keep copies of everything, including your explanation letters - Be prepared to wait longer for processing since amended returns take 16+ weeks The fact that you're amending to pay MORE tax actually works in your favor - it shows good faith effort to comply. Just make sure this second amendment is absolutely correct so you don't need a third one!
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Dmitry Ivanov
•This is really helpful advice, thank you! I'm in a similar situation as the original poster and the part about including a detailed explanation really caught my attention. When you say "Amendment to correct calculation error on previous Form 1040X filed [date]" - should this go in the explanation section on Part III of the 1040X form, or do you attach a separate letter? I want to make sure I'm documenting this properly since it's my second amendment too.
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Lydia Bailey
•You should put that explanation directly in Part III of Form 1040X in the "Explain the changes made on this amended return" section. That's the official place the IRS expects to see your reasoning. You can write something like "Correcting calculation error from previous Form 1040X filed on [date]. Original amendment included 1099 income but contained mathematical error in tax computation resulting in underpayment of $XXX." If you need more space than the form provides, you can attach a separate statement, but reference it in Part III by writing "See attached explanation." Keep it concise but clear - the IRS processors appreciate straightforward explanations that help them understand the amendment sequence.
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