Filing 1040X to correct mistake on tuition deduction

No, you don't need to file any other new forms. It's apparent that your low income qualified you for the education credit, and the additional deduction claimed as an Adjustment to Income, had no impact, since your "standard deductions" wiped out any tax liability anyway. This seems to be a case of "no harm, no error" -- and I would vote for not complicating the process by adding paperwork. However, since the "counselor" insists you correct your forms, you have a choice: You can file a 1040-X -- which simply would show the adjusted gross income increase. (There is space on page two to explain the change, and you could do so by writing "Adjustment taken in error" with a reference to the line item # you've changed.) Then, you could make the change on a photocopy of your original 1040 (with whiteout) so your wife's application doesn't show any error. Submitting both items to the "counselor" should mollify her/him. Neither action will affect your return, on the facts you present. Bill

Well, the IRS doesn't really want you to file a 1040X if the bottom line will not change, but here the financial aid folks are telling her to amend. So go ahead and amend, and you are correcting the deduction which you should hot have claimed. Unless the change in AGI affects other figures on your tax return, all you have to sub,it is form 1040X. If other forms or schedules were changed, submit those too. __ Art Kamlet ArtKamlet @ AOL.com Columbus OH K2PZH