Will filing an amended return increase my chances of an audit?

Filing Form 1040-X does not automatically trigger an audit, and it isn't run through the same automated scoring as an original return. However, amended returns are reviewed by a person, so a large refund claim, a big new deduction, or a change to a flagged area can draw more scrutiny than a routine correction. The practical advice is to amend when you have a legitimate change and solid documentation, and to attach a clear explanation of what changed and why. Don't avoid a valid amendment out of audit fear — but also don't file frivolous or aggressive amendments hoping to squeeze out extra refunds. Keep every supporting document with the 1040-X in case the IRS asks. Amended returns generally take much longer to process than originals, often several months.