This article is for admins who need to amend a company tax return. If there’s a mistake on your tax return and you need to amend it, we may be able to help. In some cases, you may need to amend it yourself through the IRS or your state agency.
We can help you amend a return if we filed the original federal or state tax return, and it was accepted by the agency:
For example, if you joined Gusto in Q2 2025 but need to amend a Q1 2025 tax return, we cannot amend it since we did not file it. We can only adjust details on the 2025 annual tax forms.
We will file amendments beyond the current 8-quarter lookback period, expanding amendments for up to 3 full tax years after the original filing period, based on IRS rules.
For example, all 2023 original returns can be amended up until Q4 2026.
In all other cases, you need to amend the return outside of Gusto.
Important: As of 2024, the IRS no longer accepts paper filings if your company filed 10+ information returns (like W-2s or 1099s) in a calendar year. This includes amendments.
If we filed your original return, but it’s been more than three years since we filed it, you need to amend it directly with the IRS or state agency. When you do, make sure you follow all IRS or state electronic filing and payment rules.
To amend a return with the IRS or state agency:
Contact your accountant to let them know you’ll be submitting an amendment. Don’t have one? Use Gusto’s Partner Directory.
Go to Taxes & Compliance.
Click Tax documents.
Based on your situation, click Federal, State, W-2s, or 1099s.
Find the form you need to amend and download it. Use this to prepare the amendment. You may need to make changes. You can also run reports in Gusto to help complete it.
Contact the IRS or state agency for next steps. Ask which forms you need and explain why you’re amending.
File the amended return with the agency.
Note: Your company is responsible for paying any penalties or interest related to amended filings.
To see if we can amend a return for you, contact us and let us know why you need the amendment. If we’re able to amend it, our support team will let you know what to expect.
Amendments are usually processed within 4-8 weeks.
Once completed, you can view the amendment in Gusto.
If you have any questions about a pending amendment, reach out to the support team member handling your case.
If we cannot amend the return for you, you need to work with the IRS or your state agency. For example, if your unemployment rate is updated after the quarter ends, you may need to pay the agency if you paid too little, or you can ask for a refund if you paid too much.
To view an amendment completed by Gusto:
Go to Taxes & Compliance.
Click Tax documents.
Click Amended forms. If you do not see this tab, the amendment is still in progress. Contact the Gusto team member working on it for an update.
Click the amendment for more details.
The IRS now sends refunds by direct deposit, so they go straight to your company’s bank account. They no longer mail checks, due to a White House Executive Order. The order requires federal agencies, including the IRS, to use electronic payments instead of paper checks.
If you paid too much in federal payroll taxes, the IRS will refund the extra money to your company’s bank account. You will not wait for a check in the mail.
To make this work, we'll include your company’s bank account number on the tax forms we file for you. We only add this information if there’s an overpayment that needs to be refunded.
We file tax forms electronically using secure systems, so your bank account information stays protected through both the IRS and Gusto.
Sometimes the IRS requires us to file a paper refund form. If this happens, we will not include your bank account number on the form for your security. In this case, you will need to work directly with the IRS to give them your electronic deposit information.
To make sure your refund goes to the right place:
Make sure your company’s bank account information in Gusto is right.
If we need to file a paper refund form, work with the IRS to give them your deposit information.
Q: Can Gusto amend any return?
A: No. We can only amend accepted returns we originally filed, and only for the last three years (i.e., three years from the current year). In all other cases, you need to work with the IRS or state agency to amend it, usually with the help of an accountant. If you don’t have one, use our Partner Directory.
Q: Where do I find an amended return completed by Gusto?
A: Sign in to Gusto and go to Taxes & Compliance. Click Tax documents, and go to Amended forms. If you don’t see it, the amendment is still in progress.
Q: Who pays penalties or interest from an amendment?
A: Employers are responsible for paying any penalties or interest charged by the agency.
Q: Can Gusto amend unemployment returns for updated rates?
A: No. If a rate changes after the quarter is closed, you need to pay or get a refund directly with the IRS or state agency.