Can I Track My Amended Tax Return?

An amended tax return, filed using Form 1040-X, allows taxpayers to correct errors or make changes to a previously submitted federal income tax return. This form is used for various reasons, such as reporting overlooked income, claiming missed deductions or tax credits, or adjusting one’s filing status. Individuals who discover discrepancies after their original return has been processed can utilize this form to update their financial information with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Fortunately, it is possible to monitor the processing of an amended tax return to stay informed about its status.

Using the IRS Tool

To check the progress of an amended tax return, the IRS provides an online tool known as “Where’s My Amended Return?”. This digital service is accessible directly through the official IRS website, offering a convenient way to track your Form 1040-X.

Upon accessing the “Where’s My Amended Return?” tool, users are prompted to input specific identifying details to retrieve their return’s status. The system then displays the current stage of processing for the submitted Form 1040-X. It is important to note that the status may not appear immediately after submission; taxpayers should generally allow approximately three weeks after filing their amended return before checking the tool. The online tool is operational most of the time, with brief downtimes typically occurring on Mondays from midnight to 3 a.m. Eastern Time and occasionally on Sundays from 1 a.m. to 7 a.m. Eastern Time for system maintenance.

Required Information for Tracking

To track an amended tax return using the IRS online tool, taxpayers must gather specific personal information. This includes the Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Additionally, the taxpayer’s exact date of birth is required.

The final piece of necessary information is the ZIP code used on the most recently filed tax return. These three data points — SSN/ITIN, date of birth, and ZIP code — are essential for the system to accurately locate and display the status of the specific amended return. The “Where’s My Amended Return?” tool can provide status updates for the current tax year and up to three prior tax years.

Interpreting Your Tracking Status

When accessing the “Where’s My Amended Return?” tool, you will see status messages indicating the stage of your amended return’s processing. A status of “Received” means the IRS has received your Form 1040-X and has begun processing it, though the review is not yet complete. If the status changes to “Adjusted,” it signifies that the IRS has reviewed your amended return and made changes to your account, which could result in a refund, a balance due, or no change to your tax liability.

The final status, “Completed,” indicates that the IRS has finished processing your amended return and will mail you any related information, such as a refund check if applicable. Processing times for amended returns generally take up to 16 weeks, and in some cases, it could extend to 20 weeks or more. Delays can occur if the return contains errors, is incomplete, lacks a signature, or if the IRS requires additional information. If the status does not change after a substantial period, or if the processing time significantly exceeds the typical timeframe, the IRS advises taxpayers to only contact them if the online tool specifically directs them to do so.