Where Is My Amended Tax Return? How to Check Your Status
Understand the status of your amended tax return. Get clear insights into its progress and what actions to take.
An amended tax return, filed using Form 1040-X, allows individuals to correct information on a previously submitted federal income tax return. Taxpayers file this form to rectify errors, such as misreported income amounts, incorrect filing status, or to claim overlooked deductions and tax credits. Correcting these details ensures compliance with tax regulations and can adjust a taxpayer’s liability, potentially resulting in a larger refund or a reduced amount owed.
Checking the Status of Your Amended Return
After filing Form 1040-X, taxpayers can check its status using the Internal Revenue Service’s (IRS) “Where’s My Amended Return?” online tool. This resource provides updates on individual amended returns for the current tax year and up to three prior years. To use this tool, taxpayers must provide their Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), date of birth, and the ZIP code used on the amended return.
Once the details are entered, the system displays the current processing stage of the Form 1040-X. It can take approximately three weeks from the mailing date for an amended return to first appear in the IRS system. The “Where’s My Amended Return?” tool is generally accessible 24 hours a day. This online method offers a direct way to monitor progress.
Understanding Amended Return Status Updates
When checking the status of an amended return, taxpayers will encounter one of three messages: “Received,” “Adjusted,” or “Completed.” A “Received” status indicates the IRS has obtained the amended return and begun processing. An “Adjusted” status signifies the IRS has reviewed the return and made necessary account changes, which may result in a refund, an amount due, or no change to the tax liability.
A “Completed” status means the IRS has finalized processing the amended return. Any resulting refund or balance due will follow. The IRS advises allowing 8 to 12 weeks for processing Form 1040-X, though some cases may require up to 16 to 20 weeks. These timelines are estimates and can fluctuate based on return complexity or current IRS processing volumes.
Addressing Delays or Issues
Should an amended return take longer than the stated processing period, or if the “Where’s My Amended Return?” tool suggests further action, taxpayers may need to contact the IRS. It is advisable to wait the full expected processing time before initiating an inquiry. The IRS offers a toll-free phone number for amended return inquiries, 866-464-2050, available in both English and Spanish.
When contacting the IRS, taxpayers should have a copy of their filed Form 1040-X available, along with their Social Security Number and the date the return was filed. Delays can occur for various reasons, including errors or incompleteness on the form, missing signatures, or if the return requires additional review by a specialized IRS unit. Taxpayers should avoid filing a second amended return for the same tax year if the first is simply delayed, as this can create further complications and extend processing times.