How Can I Check My Amended Tax Return?

An amended tax return, officially known as Form 1040-X, is a document filed with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to correct errors or make changes to a previously submitted federal income tax return. Taxpayers might need to amend a return for various reasons, such as correcting income amounts, claiming missed deductions or credits, or updating their filing status. Form 1040-X allows individuals to adjust their tax liability, potentially resulting in a refund or an additional amount owed to the IRS.

Information Required for Status Check

Before attempting to check the status of an amended tax return, gathering specific personal information is necessary for verification. This includes the Social Security Number (SSN) of the primary taxpayer listed on the return. The SSN serves as a unique identifier for tax purposes and helps the IRS accurately locate your records.

The date of birth (DOB) for the primary taxpayer is also required to confirm identity. This detail, combined with the SSN, helps prevent unauthorized access to sensitive tax information. Lastly, the five-digit Zip Code used on the amended tax return must be provided. This information helps narrow down the search and verify the taxpayer’s address on file.

Checking Status Online

The primary method for checking the status of an amended tax return is through the IRS “Where’s My Amended Return?” online tool. This tool is accessible on the official IRS website and can provide updates for the current tax year and up to three prior tax years. To use it, taxpayers navigate to the dedicated webpage and locate the input fields.

Users must accurately enter their Social Security Number, date of birth, and the Zip Code from their tax return into the designated fields. After inputting this information, they can submit the query to initiate the search. The tool then displays the current status of the amended return, which updates once daily, typically overnight.

Alternative Ways to Check Status

While the online tool is the most common method, taxpayers also have alternative ways to check the status of an amended return. One direct approach involves contacting the IRS by phone. The dedicated toll-free number for amended return inquiries is generally 866-464-2050, available Monday through Friday during business hours.

When calling, be prepared to provide the same identifying information: your Social Security Number, date of birth, and Zip Code, to verify your identity. This allows the IRS representative to access your tax records and provide a status update. While phone contact can be helpful for specific questions, it is important to note that wait times may vary, especially during peak tax periods.

Understanding Processing Times and Status Updates

Amended tax returns generally take longer to process than original returns. The IRS advises allowing approximately 8 to 12 weeks for Form 1040-X to be processed, though in some instances, it could take up to 16 to 20 weeks. When checking the status, taxpayers typically encounter three main messages.

“Received” indicates that the IRS has received the amended return and has begun processing it. “Adjusted” means the IRS has reviewed the return and made necessary changes to the taxpayer’s account, which could lead to a refund, a balance due, or no change in tax liability. “Completed” signifies that the IRS has finished processing the amended return, and any related information, such as a refund check, will be mailed.