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

You can use the IRS' "Where's My Amended Return?" online tool or call the agency's hotline to track your amended tax return status.

Andy Rosen
Lead Writer/Spokesperson | Cryptocurrency, investing, alternative assets, taxes

Andy Rosen is a former NerdWallet writer who covered taxes, cryptocurrency investing and alternative assets. He has more than 15 years of experience as a reporter and editor covering business, government, law enforcement and the intersection between money and ideas. In these roles, Andy has seen cryptocurrency develop from an experimental dark-web technology into an accepted part of the global financial system. He is based in Boston.

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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.

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Where's my amended return?

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:

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.

What’s my amended return status?

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.

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With NerdWallet Taxes powered by Column Tax, registered NerdWallet members pay one fee, regardless of your tax situation. Plus, you'll get free support from tax experts. Sign up for access today.

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Where's my amended refund?

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.

Why is my amended return taking so long?

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:

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.

What if I can’t find my amended tax return status?

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:

When is "Where's My Amended Return?" available?

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

According to the IRS, amended returns filed electronically or by paper have an estimated processing time of up to 16 weeks.

The "Where's My Amended Return?" tool will begin to display a status update approximately three weeks after the submission of an amended tax return. Taxpayers can also call the IRS' toll-free amended return hotline at 866-464-2050 to check on the status of an amended return three weeks post-filing.

According to the IRS, amended returns filed electronically or by paper have an estimated processing time of up to 16 weeks.

The "Where's My Amended Return?" tool will begin to display a status update approximately three weeks after the submission of an amended tax return. Taxpayers can also call the IRS' toll-free amended return hotline at 866-464-2050 to check on the status of an amended return three weeks post-filing.

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Andy Rosen is a former NerdWallet writer focused on cryptocurrency and alternative investments. He has more than 15 years of journalism experience as a reporter and editor at organizations including The Boston Globe and The Baltimore Sun. See full bio.

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