Where Is My Amended Return? How to Check Your Status

Filing an amended tax return, known as Form 1040-X, becomes necessary when changes are required after an original tax return has been submitted. Taxpayers often need to correct errors, claim missed deductions or credits, or adjust their filing status. This guide helps taxpayers navigate how to check their amended return’s progress.

Checking Your Amended Return Status

To monitor the progress of your Form 1040-X, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) provides an online tool called “Where’s My Amended Return?”. This digital resource allows taxpayers to track their amended return for the current tax year and up to three prior tax years. Before accessing the tool, ensure you have specific personal information ready for identity verification.

You will need the Social Security Number of the primary taxpayer listed on the return, their date of birth, and the ZIP Code used when filing the tax return. Once entered, the system will display the most current status of your amended return, typically available approximately three weeks after submission.

Interpreting Status Messages

When checking the status of your amended return, you will encounter various messages indicating its processing stage. A common status is “Received,” which means the IRS has successfully received your Form 1040-X and has begun processing it.

Another status you might see is “Adjusted,” which indicates the IRS has reviewed your amended return and made necessary changes based on the information provided. These adjustments could lead to a refund, a balance due, or no change to your tax liability. The final status, “Completed,” signifies that the IRS has finished its review and will send all relevant information, including any refund, by mail.

Understanding Processing Timelines

Amended tax returns, particularly Form 1040-X, typically have a longer processing timeframe compared to original returns. Generally, taxpayers should allow between 8 to 12 weeks for their amended return to be processed. However, in some instances, processing could extend up to 16 weeks due to the complexity of the return or IRS workload.

Factors such as whether the return was filed electronically or on paper can influence processing speed, with electronic filing potentially saving a week or two. Once the “Completed” status is reached, any refund due is typically mailed within approximately 21 days.

When to Contact the IRS

While the “Where’s My Amended Return?” tool provides valuable updates, there are specific situations where contacting the IRS directly becomes appropriate. It is generally advisable to wait until at least 16 weeks have passed since you filed your Form 1040-X, or if the online tool specifically instructs you to contact them. Direct contact should be reserved for inquiries not resolved by the online status checker.

For individual tax inquiries, the IRS toll-free assistance line is 1-800-829-1040, available Monday through Friday. When calling, have your Social Security number, date of birth, and filing status readily available to verify your identity. An automated telephone line for amended return status is also available at 866-464-2050.