Amend a tax form

You can change and correct previously filed tax returns. Reasons for amending a return vary. A return may need to be modified because you:

  • reported too much revenue (overpaid)
  • reported too little revenue (underpaid)
  • reported revenue under the wrong classification
  • itemized a deduction incorrectly
  • deducted too much revenue
  • need to add a deduction
  • did not explain a deduction

You may be required to amend a return even if the process doesn't change the amount of tax you owe. In that case, see the directions below for "no change in amount due."

If you paid taxes for a reporting period but did not pay enough, then you must amend your return and pay the tax owed. In that case, see the directions below for " tax owed."

If you overpaid taxes for a reporting period, request a refund by following the directions below. We will review your amended return and issue you a refund for the amount you overpaid.

Directions for amending a tax return

Follow these directions to amend your tax return if there will be no change in the amount of tax you owe:

  1. Print a copy of your original tax return.
    • If you filed online, access FileLocal  and print your return.
    • If you filed on paper, photocopy your original return.
  2. Print any worksheets, if used.
  3. Correct the return by crossing out any incorrect figures and then adding correct figures.
    • Make sure your corrections are legible.
    • Write with a blue or red pen.
    • If necessary, highlight your corrections so we can see them easily.
  4. If you are adding any deductions, list and describe each one.
  5. Write the word "Amended" at the top of the tax form.
  6. Send us your:
    • Amended tax return.
    • Worksheet or deduction list, if used.

Send to:
City of Seattle: Amended Returns
700 Fifth Ave., Suite 4250
P.O. Box 34214
Seattle, WA 98124-4214

Follow these directions to amend your tax return if you owe taxes for a reporting period:

  1. Print a copy of your original tax return.
    • If you filed online, access FileLocal and print your return.
    • If you filed on paper, photocopy your original return.
  2. Print any worksheets, if used.
  3. Correct the return by crossing out any incorrect figures and then adding correct figures.
    • Make sure your corrections are legible.
    • Write with a blue or red pen.
    • If necessary, highlight your corrections so we can see them easily.
  4. If you are adding any deductions, list and describe each one.
  5. Write the word "Amended" at the top of the tax form.
  6. Send us your:
    • Amended tax return.
    • Worksheet or deduction list, if used.
    • Payment for the tax owed.

Send to:
City of Seattle: Amended Returns
700 Fifth Ave., Suite 4250
P.O. Box 34214
Seattle, WA 98124-4214

You must request the refund in writing, either by email or mail. You can only request a refund for tax periods that occurred within the past four calendar years. You may use our Application for Refund or Credit or write your own request, but be sure to follow all of these directions:

  1. Print a copy of your original tax return.
    • If you filed online, access FileLocal and print your return.
    • If you filed on paper, photocopy your original return.
  2. Print any worksheets, if used.
  3. Correct the return by crossing out any incorrect figures and then adding correct figures.
    • Make sure your corrections are legible.
    • Write with a blue or red pen.
    • If necessary, highlight your corrections so we can see them easily.
  4. If you are adding any deductions, list and describe each one.
  5. Write the word "Amended" at the top of the tax form.
  6. Write a refund request or complete an Application for Refund or Credit, addressed to the City of Seattle, that includes:
    • An explanation of each change made.
    • Your customer number.
    • The tax period (year, quarter or month) you are amending.
  7. Send us your:

Refunds take approximately six to 10 weeks to process. We may contact you for additional information during that time.

Email all necessary refund request material to: tax@seattle.gov.

Or mail the printed material to:
City of Seattle: Refund Request
700 Fifth Ave., Suite 4250
P.O. Box 34214
Seattle, WA 98124-4214

City Finance

Jamie Carnell, Interim Director
Address: 700 Fifth Ave., 4th Floor, Seattle, WA, 98104
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 34214, Seattle, WA, 98124-4214
Phone: (206) 684-8484
tax@seattle.gov
Hours: 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

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City Finance manages the financial operations of the City of Seattle and oversees the City’s financial controls and enterprise reporting while working to achieve the goals set by the Mayor and the City Council.