Question

Alaina filed her 2024 federal income tax return on April 1, 2025. Two weeks after filing, she realized she did not claim the Saver's Credit. What is the latest date on which Alaina can file an amended return to receive a refund?
Two years from the date the tax was paid, no matter when the return was filed.
Three years from the date the original return was filed, no matter when the tax was paid.
The later of either three years from the date the original return was filed or two years from the date the tax was paid.
There is no time limit on filing amended returns.

Answer 1

Correct choice: The later of either three years from the date the original return was filed or two years from the date the tax was paid.

Explanation: Claims for refund (including by filing Form 1040‑X to claim the Saver’s Credit) generally must be filed within the later of 3 years from the date the original return was filed or 2 years from the date the tax was paid (IRC §6511; IRS Pub. 556). If Alaina filed on April 1, 2025 and paid any balance due on that date, the deadline would be April 1, 2028 (3 years). If she paid the tax earlier (for example, by withholding during 2024), the two‑year-from‑payment date could apply — but the controlling rule is the later of the two.