Where’s My Amended Tax Return?

Editor at SoloSuit
Hannah Locklear, BA

Hannah Locklear is SoloSuit’s Marketing and Impact Manager. With an educational background in Linguistics, Spanish, and International Development from Brigham Young University, Hannah has also worked as a legal support specialist for several years.

Summary: The IRS may take 16 weeks or more to process your amended tax return, and they make it easy for you to check the status of your amended return online. All you need is your social security number, date of birth, and zip code.

Tax season can often be a period of tension and anticipation for many, with taxpayers eagerly awaiting their refund or grappling with the details of the returns they must file. But sometimes, errors or omissions occur in the initial filing, requiring taxpayers to file an amended return. Once that's done, a new question looms large: "Where's my amended tax return?”

What is an amended tax return?

Before diving into tracking the status of your amended return, it's crucial to understand what it is. Form 1040-X, formally known as Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, is simply a tax return filed to correct errors or omissions in your originally filed return. Common reasons to amend can include:

Reporting additional income or deductions.
Claiming overlooked tax credits.
Adjusting filing status.
Correcting personal information.

It's important to note that while the IRS recommends amending your return if you discover mistakes, they also mention that not every mistake warrants an amendment. For instance, simple math errors are usually corrected by the IRS itself.

Track your amended return

So, you've filed your amended return. Here's how you can track its status.

How can I check the status of my amended return?

Use the IRS Where's My Amended Return Tool. This tool is located on the IRS website where you can check the status of your amended tax return. You'll need to provide your social security number, date of birth, and ZIP code.

If the online tool doesn't give you the clarity you seek or if you have more specific questions, consider reaching out to the IRS helpline. However, you should note that IRS telephone helpers do not have any additional information about your amended return while it is processing, and you should only call the IRS toll-free number when the tool directs you to do so.

How long will it take for my amended return to be ready?

Your amended return will take up to 3 weeks after you mailed it to show in the IRS system, but it can take up to 16 weeks after that for the IRS to process it.

Note that the COVID-19 pandemic has cause significant delays for the IRS, so your amended return may take longer than 16 weeks to process.

Other reasons why your amended return might be delayed

If you find your amended return is taking longer than expected, some other common reasons for delays include:

Peak Tax Season: If you filed your amended return during the peak tax season, the IRS might be dealing with a high volume of returns, causing potential delays.
Errors in the Amended Return: If your amended return has errors, it can lead to additional review time. Ensure that all information is accurate and complete.
Random Selection for Detailed Review: Sometimes, returns (including amended ones) are randomly selected for a more thorough review.
External Factors: Other external factors like government shutdowns, natural disasters, or pandemics might affect the IRS's operational capacity, leading to delays.

Amending your tax return can seem like a daunting process, especially if you're anxious about your refund or changes in the amount you owe. While patience is essential, it's equally vital to be proactive. Check the status periodically, and if in doubt, consult a tax professional. Remember, it's always better to ensure your return is accurate and complete than to hurry through the process and face potential complications down the line.

Struggling with tax debt?

When amending a tax return, you may discover you owe the IRS more money than you initially thought. This could be due to overlooked income, deductions that you weren't eligible for, or changes in tax law. This sudden debt can be a burden, especially if you weren't prepared for it.

On the flip side, if you were expecting a sizable refund and your amended return reduces that amount, it can derail plans you had for using that money. Many people count on their refunds to pay down debts or for significant expenses. A reduced refund might mean carrying a debt balance longer than anticipated.

If you find yourself in debt, whether due to unexpected tax liabilities or other financial challenges, it's essential to have tools and resources at your disposal. This is where SoloSuit comes into the picture.

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Remember, debt situations can feel overwhelming, but with platforms like SoloSuit and other resources, you're never alone in your journey to financial stability. It's always a good idea to be proactive and seek assistance early on, allowing you to navigate the complexities of debt with confidence and clarity.

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