Where’s My Amended Return? How to Check Your Amended Tax Return Status

If you’ve filed Form 1040-X to amend a tax return, the IRS offers some online resources to help you keep on top of it.

But don’t expect results right away: The IRS says it takes up to 16 weeks to process an amended return. The good news is that you can begin to track its status using the IRS’ “Where’s My Amended Return?” tool three weeks after you submit it.

To track your amended tax return, you can either use the "Where's My Amended Return?" tool or call the amended return hotline at 866-464-2050. Per the IRS, both resources are available in English and Spanish^[0]

To get a status update, you'll need to provide some basic information to confirm your identity first. Be prepared with the following details when you access the "Where's My Amended Return?" tool or call the IRS:

• Your Social Security number or individual tax ID number.

• Your date of birth.

• Your ZIP code.

This information can help you look up any amended returns you have filed for taxes up to three years back. Note that the amended return lookup system is different from the IRS’ online "Where’s My Refund?" service.

Click on the button below to go right to the IRS' amended return tracker.

Once you’ve located your return, the IRS will give you a short description of its status. Here’s a brief overview of the different results you might receive and what they mean.

Your amended return is received

If the IRS tells you it has received your return, the agency has it but has not yet completed its review. As a result, you may have to wait 20 weeks or more for processing to be complete. 

Your amended return is adjusted

The “adjusted” designation means the IRS has reviewed your amended tax return and adjusted your account accordingly. This adjustment could ​​result in “a refund, balance due or in no tax change,” the IRS says. 

Your amended return is completed

When your amended return is completed, the agency is finished with its review of the documents you’ve submitted. "You will receive all the information connected to its processing by mail,” the IRS says. 

» MORE: See a list of IRS phone numbers you can call for help

If you filed an amended return that will result in a refund, note that the "Where's My Refund?" tool does not provide updates about amended return refund timing or processing. According to the IRS, the "Where's My Amended Return?" tool remains the best resource for up-to-date information on the status of your Form 1040-X.

Sometimes, an issue with your return can slow down the IRS' review process. Here are a few possible factors that can cause delays, according to the IRS:

• Your amended return has mistakes, is incomplete or hasn’t been signed.

• The IRS may have sent your return back to you, asking for more information. 

• Your amended return includes Form 8379, Injured Spouse Allocation.

• There’s an issue with identity theft or fraud related to your amended return. 

The IRS says other issues can slow your return. For instance, if it needs review by a specialized area of the IRS, such as the bankruptcy section, that can take longer. The agency will contact you if it requires more information.

A handful of reasons could prevent you from being able to look up your status on the “Where’s My Amended Return?” tool. Here are some possible explanations, according to the IRS:

• Your amended return is for business taxes.

• Your amended return involves carryback applications and claims. 

• Your amended return has a foreign address.

The IRS' "Where's My Amended Return?" tool is available at all times except:

• Mondays from midnight to 3 a.m. ET.

• Some Sundays from 1 to 7 a.m. ET^[0]

  Internal Revenue Service. Where's My Amended Return?. Accessed May 23, 2024.

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