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

It should be no surprise to say that correctly filing your taxes is crucial. Not only are there potential legal ramifications, but you could also do yourself a disservice by missing out on tax benefits that you’re entitled to. Fortunately, you can file Form 1040-X to correct mistakes in your federal income tax return.

For the last 3 tax years (2021-2023), you may amend your return online (up to 3 submissions). You can file electronically using any available tax software. For any other years, or if the original return was filed on paper, the amended return must also be mailed.

After filing your corrected return, the IRS provides online resources to help you track your amended tax return’s status. However, you need to know what the IRS website’s information means to truly understand where your amended tax return is.

Key Takeaways

• You can check your amended return status update using the IRS Where’s My Amended Return tool online.
• Your return may take up to 16 weeks to appear online.
• If you can’t see it online after 20 weeks, phone the IRS.
• You cannot track the status of your tax refund using the same tool.
• Incomplete information, Form 8379, and suspected fraud can delay the amount of time it takes before your amended tax return process is completed.

Table of Contents

• Where’s My Amended Tax Return?
• What Will You Need To Track Your Amended Tax Return Status
• When Should You Check the Status of Your Amended Return
• Amended Return Statuses & Their Meanings
• Why is My Amended Return Taking Longer to Process?
• Make Tax Preparation Easier with FreshBooks
• Frequently Asked Questions

Where’s My Amended Tax Return?

You can see the status of your amended tax return on the IRS Where’s My Amended Return tool. You can find this tool on IRS.gov. Alternatively, you can call the IRS directly using their toll-free number at 866-464-2050. This makes it easy for any taxpayer to check their amended return online. All online resources will be available in both English and Spanish.

Please note that if you file an amended tax return resulting in a tax refund, the Where’s My Amended Return tool will not provide information on your refund timing. It is focused primarily on your amended tax return status via Form 1040-X.

What Will You Need To Track Your Amended Tax Return Status

When you access the Where’s My Amended Return tool, you will need to verify your identity. Make sure you have the following identifying information on hand when you use this resource.

• Social security number
• Date of birth
• ZIP code

This verification process is simply to help prevent identity theft. It’s also a way to ensure that the right person is seeing the right information.

When Should You Check the Status of Your Amended Return

Amended tax returns can take up to 3 weeks before they appear in the IRS system. From there, it can take up to 16 weeks to process amended returns. As such, it’s best to wait about a month after you mailed in your amended tax return before you check the status of it.

If it’s been over 20 weeks since you submitted, and you’re still not seeing anything online, it’s best to inquire directly over the phone.

Amended Return Statuses & Their Meanings

Your Where’s My Amended Return status will tell you which processing stage your amended tax return is currently at. There are 3 processing stages that amended tax returns go through.

Return Received 

This status indicates that the IRS has received your amended return, and it is being processed. At this stage, the IRS reviews the changes you made and compares them to the original return you filed.

Return Adjusted

This means that the IRS has reviewed your amended return and made all necessary or any needed additional adjustments. 

Return Completed 

At this point, any changes to the amended return have been accepted and finalized. If you are due a refund from your amended return, you should receive it shortly after this status appears. The status of Where’s My Amended Return refunds is not tracked online.

Why is My Amended Return Taking Longer to Process?

Processing delays regarding your amendment can happen for several different reasons.

• Your amended return included errors or did not have all the information needed (such as signature)
• The IRS sent your amended return back to request additional follow-up information
• You filed your amended return with Form 8379 (Injured Spouse Allocation)
• There is suspected fraud on your amended tax return that warrants further investigation

Make Tax Preparation Easier with FreshBooks

Whether you’re filing your original or an amended return, you can make tax preparation easier with FreshBooks. Our accounting software helps you keep accurate records of every eligible deduction so you won’t miss it on your first try.

Reduce the chance that you’ll need to submit an amended return this tax season, use FreshBooks to keep all your records in order. Try FreshBooks free today and be ready for the end of this tax year with confidence.

FAQs on Where’s My Amended Return

If you have further questions about your amended return, you may be able to find the answer below. Please verify any information with a tax professional to ensure it suits your specific circumstances. 

Does the IRS direct deposit amended refunds? 

The IRS does not directly deposit amended refunds by default. However, you may request a direct deposit if you filed your amended tax return electronically. If you filed by paper, you must receive your refund in the mail. 

How long do amended refunds take? 

Typically, an amended refund will take 21 calendar days to be issued after the amended return is complete. However, it may take longer if you file a paper return. If you use FreshBooks to track your original tax return refund, your records can be easily adjusted to your amended refund.

Are amended returns more likely to be audited? 

Amending your tax return does not inherently put you at a higher risk of an audit. However, certain errors may warrant investigation. It’s always important to keep detailed tax records just in case. FreshBooks makes it simple for you to maintain these records in a centralized location.

What does an amended tax return mean? 

Amended tax returns are filed when there is an error on a taxpayer’s original return. You will also need to file an amended return if there is a change in your filing status, income, deductions, credit, or tax liability. This option is available to ensure that the correct taxes are filed. 

Can you amend a tax return after it’s been accepted?

You may amend your original return after it has been accepted using Form 1040-X. You don’t have to redo your return from scratch during this process. Simply submit the corrected information and explain why you are correcting it. Be sure to keep track of these changes in your records. That’s easy to do with FreshBooks.

More Useful Resources

• Are My Business Tax Returns Public?
• IRS Form 7200
• Federal Solar Tax Credit
• EV Tax Credit
• 1040 Tax Form

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