If you filed an amended tax return, you might be waiting for money back from the IRS. You may also be asking yourself, “Where’s my amended refund?” Thousands of taxpayers check their amended return status daily, wondering why the process seems to take forever.
We understand how frustrating it can be to wait for your money. In this guide, we’ll show you how to check your amended tax return status and explain typical processing times. We’ll also help you understand why your amended return might take so long.
- How to Check the Status of Your Amended Refund
- How Long Does the IRS Take to Process Amended Refunds?
- Why Is My Amended Refund Taking Longer Than Expected?
- When to Contact the IRS About Your Amended Refund
- The Bottom Line
How to Check the Status of Your Amended Refund
The easiest way to check your amended return status is through the IRS “Where’s My Amended Return” tool. This free online tracker lets you see where your amended return is in the processing pipeline. You’ll need three pieces of information to use this tool:
- Social Security number
- Date of birth
- ZIP code.
The IRS tool shows which of the three main stages your amended return is in: received, adjusted, or completed. It updates once daily, usually overnight, so checking more than once per day won’t show new information. If you filed form 1040-X electronically, you can typically check your status within three weeks of filing.
The IRS also provides a phone number (866-464-2050) to check the status of your amended return. However, the online tool generally provides the same information without the wait time.
Remember that your amended tax return status won’t appear in the regular “Where’s My Refund” tool. This is because it’s a separate system specially designed for amended returns.
How Long Does the IRS Take to Process Amended Refunds?
When it comes to processing times for amended returns, you’ll need to be patient. The IRS officially states that amended tax returns can take up to 16 weeks (about 4 months) to process.
The timeline generally works like this:
- 3 weeks: Your amended return appears in the IRS system
- 8 to 12 weeks: Standard processing time during normal tax seasons
- 16+ weeks: Current expected wait time due to IRS backlogs
While you’re asking, “Where’s my amended return?” remember that these returns are processed manually, unlike regular electronic returns. Each amended return requires an IRS employee to review it by hand. This naturally takes more time than computer-processed returns.
If the IRS owes you a refund from your original return and amendment, you’ll typically receive your original refund first. The refund from the amended return comes separately after the amendment is fully processed.
Why Is My Amended Refund Taking Longer Than Expected?
There are several common reasons why an amended return might face delays beyond the standard processing time. Understanding these can help explain why your amended return is taking so long:
Incomplete information and errors
Missing information or errors on your form can cause significant delays. For example, if you forgot to sign your return, used incorrect Social Security numbers, or left required fields blank. In these cases, the IRS will need to contact you to fix any issues before processing can continue.
Unusual deductions
Tax write-offs that seem unusual or excessive may trigger additional review. The IRS compares your deductions to statistical norms, and anything that stands out might need verification.
Peak season filing
Filing during peak tax season (February through April) means your amended return joins a much larger queue. Preparing for tax season earlier or filing your amendment outside these busy months can help avoid seasonal backlogs.
Missing documentation
Missing key tax documents, like a W-2 from a previous employer, can also delay processing. Make sure you’ve included all necessary supporting documentation with your amended return.
System issues
IRS computer system updates or technical problems can temporarily slow down processing. These technical difficulties aren’t in your control. However, they can add weeks to processing times for your amended tax return status.
The truth is that anything can happen to your amended return once it enters the IRS system. The online “Where’s My Amended Return” tool only shows basic status updates, not specific reasons for delays. Sometimes, the only way to find out why your amended tax return status is stuck is to contact the IRS directly. Many taxpayers discover issues they never knew existed only after making that phone call.
When to Contact the IRS About Your Amended Refund
There are specific situations when you should reach out to the IRS about your amended refund, including:
- If it has been more than 16 weeks since you filed your amended return and the IRS tool shows no updates. The standard wait time is up to 16 weeks, so anything beyond that deserves a follow-up.
- When the “Where’s My Amended Return” tool instructs you to contact the IRS. Follow these IRS instructions promptly. This usually means there’s an issue that requires your input to resolve.
- If you receive an IRS notice but don’t understand what action you need to take. It’s important to call the IRS for clarification. Ignoring these notices can lead to further delays or potential issues with your refund.
Contacting the IRS can help ensure you don’t face unnecessary penalties while waiting for your amended return to process. The best way to contact the IRS is by calling 800-829-1040 for individual tax return questions. You must have your Social Security number, filing status, and a copy of your amended return ready.
The Bottom Line
Waiting for an amended refund requires patience. However, staying informed about your amended tax return status helps reduce anxiety during the process. Using the “Where’s My Amended Return” tool and understanding the typical timeline can help you manage your expectations and financial planning.
If you’re still asking, “Why is my amended return taking so long?”, remember that the manual review process, combined with IRS backlogs, means these returns simply take more time. It’s best to catch tax errors before they occur and lead to amendments. Let our dedicated team of tax preparation professionals help you file your taxes correctly and on time.
