Where’s My Amended Return? Check the Tax Refund Status @irs.gov

by
Where's My Amended Return?

The IRS website provides a user-friendly tool called “Where’s My Amended Return?” This tool allows you to track the processing status of your amended return electronically.

Where’s My Amended Return?

Filing an amended return involves using Form 1040-X, which is available on the IRS website.

After submitting an amended return, individuals may wonder about its status. 

Generally, the IRS takes around 16 weeks to process amended tax returns. You can monitor the progress of your amended return using the “Where’s My Amended Return?” feature on the IRS website, which provides an online status update.

How to check the IRS Amended Return Status?

The IRS offers a convenient online tool called “Where’s My Amended Return?” With this tool, you can monitor the progress of your amended tax return (Form 1040-X) without leaving your house.

Before you begin, ensure your amended return qualifies for tracking through this tool. The tool works for amended returns filed for:

  • The current tax year
  • Up to three prior tax years

Checking the Status:

  • Navigate to the official IRS website using a web browser.
  • Search for “Where’s My Amended Return?” 
  • On the designated webpage, enter your Social Security number, filing status, and zip code accurately in the respective fields.
  • Click the “submit” button to initiate the search for your amended return status.
  • The tool will display the processing stage of your amended return. There are typically three stages:
    • Received: This signifies the IRS has acknowledged receiving your amended return.
    • Adjusted: This indicates the IRS is reviewing your return and making any necessary adjustments.
    • Completed: You will receive any communication regarding refunds or amounts owed at this stage.

When to File an Amended Return?

While filing a tax return is crucial, there might be situations where you discover errors or omissions after submitting it. Fortunately, the IRS allows you to rectify these mistakes through an amended return (Form 1040-X). 

Reasons to File an Amended Return:

Here are some key scenarios where filing an amended return becomes necessary:

  • Errors in Income Reporting: This is a common reason. You might have unintentionally forgotten to report income sources like wages (W-2s), interest payments (1099s), or investment income (dividends or capital gains). 
  • Changes in Filing Status: An amended tax return lets you update your filing status or dependency information if it changes after submitting your original return, which can impact your tax liability.
  • Incorrect Deductions or Credits: An amended tax return lets you claim deductions or credits you missed or correct any mistakes. This could lead to a tax refund.
  • Maths Errors: We all make mistakes! If there were simple mathematical errors in calculations on your original return, filing an amended return corrects those errors and ensures an accurate tax assessment.
  • Missing Information: Did you discover you were missing crucial documentation like receipts or proofs for claimed deductions or credits after filing? An amended return allows you to submit this missing information to support your claims.
  • Identity Theft: If you become a victim of tax-related identity theft, you’ll need to file an amended return to report any fraudulent income or deductions.
  • Disaster Relief: If you were affected by a federally declared disaster and received disaster relief payments, you might need to amend your return depending on how you originally reported them.

Factors Affecting Your Amended Return Time

Here are some detailed factors that can affect how long it takes the IRS to process your amended tax return:

  • Errors or Incomplete Information: If your amended return has any errors or missing information, the IRS will need to contact you for clarification. This can significantly delay processing.
  • Complexities: Amended returns involving complex tax situations, like claiming business losses or foreign income, often require more scrutiny and take longer to process.
  • Claiming Certain Credits: If your amended return involves claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or the Additional Child Tax Credit, it might take longer to process.
  • Form 8379: Filing Form 8379, which is used to allocate a joint tax refund to one spouse due to the other spouse’s past-due federal debt, can add up to 14 weeks to the processing timeframe.
  • Identity Theft or Fraud: If the IRS suspects identity theft or fraud related to your return, it will be flagged for further investigation, causing a significant delay.
  • E-filing vs Paper Filing: Generally, electronically filed amended returns with direct deposit for refunds are processed faster than paper-filed returns with paper checks.
  • Time of Year: The IRS tends to be busier during peak filing season (typically January to April). If you file an amended return during this time, expect a longer wait.

Visit the NCBLPC Homepage To Get Relevant  Topics.

Leave a Comment