Hello. Well this was the 1st and last year that I filed my taxes all by myself. Can someone please tell me what is going to happen now?
SITUATION: I'm separated from my husband so I filled HOH and I have 2 kids, which only I can claim as my dependents. Here is the mistake I made... I received unemployment wages (1099g?) and I put that wage info in the as EARNED wages (as if it was a W-2)! I proceeded with the standard 1040 form and attached the EIC form, Child Tax Credit, Make Work Pay form, etc. All the "perks/breaks" of being HOH w/ 2 dependents! I used the IRS website and used "free fillable forms" and submitted last night!
TODAY, I told my mom how excited I was to be getting back $6000 and she ask me how in the heck I did that w/ $17,000 of UB w/ only paying $760 taxes and that I should only get back $760? I told her what I just told you and she informed me that I INSERTED WAGES IN THE WRONG FIELD!!
So, now what is going to happen to me?? Will they issue me the money? Will they stop the claim and allow me a "do over" and have a chance to refile the "right" way? Am I going to go to jail? I made a HUGE mistake and I've never had any problems w/ the IRS EVER... now I will! Will they even process it? Will it even get noticed as a mistake?
I'm scared and don't know what is going to happen now! I'm unemployed, no $$, car just got repossed, 2 kids and now THIS!! I'm stupid for doing it myself and using an old return as a guideline!! PLEASE TELL ME WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN NEXT?
Thank you,
CONFUSED & FREAKING OUT!

No, IRS does not put people in jail.
You need to file amended tax return Form 1040X.

No, IRS does not put people in jail.
You need to file amended tax return Form 1040X.
Attach a letter explaining why this happened and request for the waiver of any penalty.

Thank you for your quick response. Should I wait to see if it will even get processed before I complete a 1040X? My neighbor just told me that they probably wouldn't even process it or send me the money.

Curious:

Wait for the IRS to process the return and send you the refund. They MAY catch the mistake and either correct it or reject the return.

If they do NOT correct the mistake, then (and only then) do you amend the return. If you file the amendment before 15 April 2010 and return the part of the refund to which you are NOT entitled, there will be no penalties or interest charged.

Stop worrying- When you get your return contact them (the IRS) also you can use a free tax on the web- I use it it is called tax act. Just enter your info correctly and it will show you what you'll get. It may not be that much different. Unemployment has the same tax as earned wages.

Curious:

Prepare the amendment, but wait as long as possible before mailing it. As long as it is postmarked on 15 April 2011 or earlier, no penalties or interest will be assessed.