Have you recently corrected your tax return, and now you’re wondering, “Where’s my amended refund?” Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Many folks find themselves in the same boat after filing Form 1040-X to amend a tax return. Luckily, the IRS has your back with some handy online tools and resources to help you track down the status of your amended return. But remember, patience is key here—it might take a bit before you see any progress.
What Is “Where’s My Amended Refund?”
To get the lowdown on your amended tax return status, the IRS invites you to use its “Where’s My Amended Refund?” online tool or ring up their dedicated hotline at 866-464-2050. Whether you prefer the web or a voice on the other end of the line, both services are ready to assist you in English and Spanish.
Before you dive in, make sure you have a few pieces of information on hand:
- Your Social Security number or individual tax ID number.
- Your birth date.
- Your ZIP code.
Armed with these details, you can peek into the status of any amended returns you’ve filed for up to the last three tax years. And it’s worth noting that this isn’t the same as the IRS’s “Where’s My Refund?” service—this is a whole different ballgame.
Understanding Your Amended Return Status
After you’ve managed to track down your return using the “Where’s My Amended Refund?” tool, the IRS will clue you in on where things stand. Let’s break down what the possible statuses mean:
Your Amended Return Is Received
If the IRS has your return but hasn’t finished reviewing it, they’ll let you know it’s been received. Strap in for a bit of a wait, though—it could be 20 weeks or more before they’re done.
Your Amended Return Is Adjusted
Hearing that your return is “adjusted” means the IRS has gone through your amended tax return and made changes to your account. This could lead to a refund, a balance due, or no change at all in your tax situation.
Your Amended Return Is Completed
Once the IRS wraps up its review of your amended return, you’ll be notified that it’s completed. Expect to receive all the relevant details about its processing via mail.
“Where’s My Amended Refund?”
So, you’ve filed an amended return, and you’re expecting a refund. You might be tempted to use the “Where’s My Refund?” tool, but hold up—that won’t give you the scoop on your amended return refund. The “Where’s My Amended Refund?” tool is your go-to for the latest status updates.
Why Is My Amended Return Taking So Long?
Delays can be a real pain, and a few factors might be holding up your amended return. Here are a few common culprits:
- Errors, incomplete information, or a missing signature on your amended return.
- The IRS needing more information from you.
- Your return involves Form 8379, Injured Spouse Allocation, or there’s a concern about identity theft or fraud.
The IRS also points out that if your return needs a look-see from a specialized department, like the bankruptcy section, that could add to the wait time. And let’s not forget, processing times have stretched out over the last few years—what used to take 16 weeks now often exceeds 20.
Troubleshooting
What if you hit a snag and can’t find your amended tax return status? A few scenarios might be blocking your view:
- Your amended return is for business taxes.
- Your return involves carryback applications and claims.
- Your return is tied to a foreign address.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will filing electronically speed up my amended tax return?
Both electronic and paper filings are looking at the same estimated processing time—about 20 weeks or more.
How quickly will the “Where’s My Amended Refund?” tool show a status update?
Expect to see a status update on the “Where’s My Amended Refund?” tool roughly three weeks after you’ve submitted your amended return. If you’re itching for info sooner, give the IRS’ toll-free amended return hotline a ring three weeks after filing.