Already Filed Taxes and Got a 1042-S? Here’s What You Can Do

So… you thought you were done with your taxes. You filed early, everything looked good, and then, bam! A 1042-S form shows up in your mailbox.

Now what? Do you have to file again? Did you mess up your return? Is this going to get you in trouble with the IRS?

Don’t panic. Here’s what you should know and what you can do next.

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Wait… What’s a Form 1042-S Again?

The Form 1042-S^[1] is a tax form used to report income paid to non-U.S. persons, like international students, researchers, or foreign investors. It shows how much you earned and how much tax was withheld.

You might get a 1042-S if you received:

• Scholarship or fellowship income
• U.S. investment income (like dividends or interest)
• Payments for work done under a visa (like F-1 or J-1)

If this income wasn’t included in your original tax return, it could affect your refund or what you owe.

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What If I Already Filed Without the 1042-S?

That’s actually pretty common. You’re not alone.

Here’s what you can do:

✅ Option 1: File an Amended Return (Form 1040-X)

If the 1042-S shows income or tax withheld that wasn’t on your return, the IRS wants to know about it. You’ll need to file a Form 1040-X^[2] to amend your original return.

Don’t worry, it doesn’t mean you did anything wrong. It just updates your return with the new info.

✅ Option 2: Do Nothing (if the 1042-S doesn’t change anything)

If the income on the 1042-S was already included in another form (like a W-2), or the amount is $0, or fully tax-exempt, you might not need to amend anything. But it’s still a good idea to double-check.

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How Do I Amend My Tax Return with a 1042-S?

You’ll need to fill out IRS Form 1040-X and attach a corrected tax return (just like your original, but with the 1042-S info added). Here’s the basic process:

1. Wait for the IRS to finish processing your original return.
   You can’t amend until it’s officially processed.
2. Fill out Form 1040-X
   Explain what changed and why. In this case: “Received 1042-S form after filing.”
3. Include the updated return (Form 1040)
   Recalculate your income, deductions, and tax owed or refund.
4. Attach a copy of the 1042-S
   This helps the IRS verify your amendment faster.
5. Mail it in (or file electronically, if your software allows)

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When Should I Do This? Is There a Deadline?

Yes — generally, you have 3 years from the original filing deadline (April 15, 2025 for tax year 2024) to file an amended return.

To avoid delays, file Form 1040-X only after you’ve filed your original return. Generally, for a credit or refund, you must file Form 1040-X within 3 years after the date you filed your original return or within 2 years after the date you paid the tax, whichever is later.

IRS, Frequently asked questions

But if the 1042-S means you owe more tax, it’s best to amend as soon as possible to avoid penalties and interest.

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Will I Get in Trouble for Missing the 1042-S?

Nope — if you fix it. The IRS knows that forms arrive late sometimes, especially 1042-S, which many universities and financial institutions send in March.

Filing an amended return voluntarily shows that you’re acting in good faith. That’s what matters most.

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Can I File the 1042-S by Itself?

No — the IRS doesn’t accept tax forms by themselves. The information needs to be reported through a full tax return (original or amended). Sending the 1042-S without a 1040-X won’t update your records.

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Need Help?

Amending a tax return isn’t as scary as it sounds, but if you’re unsure, you can:

• Use tax software that supports 1040-X
• Contact your school’s international student office (if applicable)
• Reach out to a tax preparer who has experience with nonresident or dual-status taxpayers

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✅ What To Do If You Get a 1042-S After Filing

• Don’t ignore it — check if the income was reported already
• If not, file Form 1040-X to update your return
• Attach the 1042-S so the IRS knows what changed
• Do it soon, especially if you owe more tax

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🔗 References

• [1] IRS, About Form 1042-S, Foreign Person’s U.S. Source Income Subject to Withholding
• [2] IRS, About Form 1040-X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return

🔗 Useful Resources:

• What Happens If You Miss the Tax Deadline?
• Should You File a Tax Extension? Pros, Cons, How to Do It
• Top 10 Tax Deductions That Could Save You Thousands in 2025
• Tax Deadline 2025: Everything You Need to Know to File on Time
• Maximize Your Tax Refund: Last-Minute Filing Tips for 2025