Key Takeaways
- Amended tax returns are used to correct errors or add information to a tax return you’ve already filed, such as updating your income, claiming a credit you missed, or fixing your filing status.
- You can file your federal amended return online for tax years 2021, 2022, and 2023 if you originally filed your return electronically and used tax software that supports amended filings.
- The form you’ll use to file an amended federal return is Form 1040-X, and the IRS now accepts it online through most major tax prep platforms.
- If you're getting a refund from your amended return, it usually takes up to 20 weeks to process, and the IRS has a tracking tool called “Where’s My Amended Return?” to help you follow along.
- Not every state supports online amended return filing, so if you're fixing a state return too, you’ll need to check your specific state tax agency’s rules before moving forward.
It’s really called the “Where’s My Amended Return Tool”? Well, the IRS isn’t subtle.
If you’ve recently amended your original tax return and are wondering why you haven’t gotten a direct deposit from the Internal Revenue Service,, the IRS provides a useful online tool found on IRS.gov called “Where’s My Refund?”
This online tool allows taxpayers to track the progress of their original or their amended tax return, and provides helpful information on its processing status and expected time table for completion.
Where Is My Amended Return Now?
When you file an amended federal tax return using IRS Tax Form 1040x, it’s natural to want to know where it stands in the processing stages. After all, we’re all excited about that refund check.
It is important to note that the IRS processing time for an amended tax return can take up to 20 weeks to fully complete the processing of the return and issue any refund that may be owed.
However, the Where’s My Return tool is a convenient online resource that provides peace of mind, ensuring that you stay informed about the progress of your amended tax return and when you might get your tax refund.
Online Tool to Check Your Tax Return Status
To access or use the online status tracker for your tax refund, simply visit the IRS website and navigate to the “Where’s My Amended Return?” tool.
Enter your social security number (or other taxpayer identification number), date of birth, and ZIP code, and click on the “Submit” button.
It’s important to note that it may take up to three weeks for your case to appear in the system after you’ve filed the amended return. However, once you’ve entered the required information, the online tool will display the current status of your amended return. It will provide updates on whether it has been received, processed, or if any additional information is needed. This short video clip is an example of the status updates and progress looks like.
Using this online tool is a convenient and efficient way to track the progress of your federal return. So, if you’re eager to find out where your amended return resides in the processing stages, make sure to visit the IRS website and access this helpful tool today.
Processing Delays and Stages for Amended Tax Returns
Amending your original return can be a complex process, and it’s not uncommon for taxpayers to experience delays along the way. These delays can occur for various reasons, such as mistakes on the amended return, incomplete or unsigned forms, requests for additional information, or issues related to identity theft or fraud. Understanding the stages involved in the processing of an amended tax return can help taxpayers navigate these potential delays.
The first stage is the submission of the amended return itself. Mistakes or incomplete forms can significantly impact this process, leading to a delay in the processing of the return. It is crucial for taxpayers to double-check all the information provided on the amended return to minimize the chances of errors. This is definitely a good time to ask tax experts to review your federal income tax return before submitting it.
After submission, the amended return goes through an initial review stage. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) verifies the information provided and checks for any mathematical errors or missing signatures. If any issues are found, the IRS may request additional information from the taxpayer.
Once the initial review is complete and all required information is provided, the amended return moves on to the processing stage. During this stage, the IRS thoroughly reviews the amended return and updates the taxpayer’s information in their database. This can take some time, especially during busy tax seasons.
Finally, the IRS will issue a notice of claim disallowance or an adjusted refund amount. This notice outlines the changes made to the amended return and provides instructions on any further actions that may be needed.
Toll-Free Telephone Number for Questions
Taxpayers who have questions about their amended tax return can easily contact the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for assistance. By dialing the toll-free telephone number 866-464-2050, taxpayers can inquire about the status of their amended return and get answers to any other questions they may have.
Calling this number provides taxpayers with direct access to IRS representatives who are trained to handle inquiries regarding amended tax returns. Whether taxpayers need clarification on the processing stages of their amended return or have questions about the information provided, the toll-free number is a convenient way to seek assistance.
When contacting the IRS by phone, taxpayers should have their social security number and tax return information readily available. This will help expedite the process and enable the IRS representative to provide accurate and personalized assistance.
By making use of the toll-free telephone number, taxpayers can easily get in touch with the IRS to ask questions about their amended tax return. This option ensures that taxpayers receive the support they need and can stay updated on the status of their amended return.
Common Amended Tax Return Mistakes
When filing an amended tax return, taxpayers often make mistakes such as a mistaken filing status or getting the math wrong on your itemized deductions. (That’s one more reason your standard deduction can be so handy.) An inaccurate tax return amendment can delay the processing of their returns or even result in additional tax liabilities.
You can avoid some common errors and take steps to ensure a smooth and efficient amendment process with the IRS.
Mathematical Errors: One common mistake on amended tax returns is mathematical errors. These can include simple addition or subtraction mistakes, miscalculating deductions or credits, or incorrectly inputting income amounts. To avoid these errors, it is important to carefully review and double-check all calculations to ensure accuracy.
Missing Information: Another common mistake is failing to include all the necessary information in the amended tax return. This can include forgetting to provide supplemental forms or schedules, omitting important details regarding income or deductions, or neglecting to include supporting documentation. It is crucial to thoroughly review the amended return to ensure that all required information is provided.
Tardy Filing: Delay in tax filing an amended tax return can also lead to complications. It is important for individuals to promptly file the amended return after discovering the error or the need for a correction. Waiting too long can result in penalties or interest charges if the amended return results in an additional tax liability.
Incorrect Forms: Using the wrong form when filing an amended tax return is another common mistake to avoid. Taxpayers must use Form 1040X, “Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return,” when making changes to their original return. Using the incorrect form can lead to processing delays or the need for additional filings.
Consultation with a Tax Professional: To avoid making these common mistakes and ensure accuracy when filing an amended tax return, it may be beneficial to consult with a tax professional. These professionals can provide guidance, review the amended return for errors, and ensure all necessary information is included.
By avoiding these common mistakes, individuals can simplify the process of filing an amended tax return and ensure that the corrected information is accurately reflected, ultimately avoiding potential penalties or delays in tax refund processing.
The Final Word on Amended Tax Return Online…
Filing an amended tax return online might sound like a hassle, but it’s actually pretty manageable once you know what to expect. Whether you missed a deduction, reported the wrong income, or simply checked the wrong box the first time around, the IRS gives you a chance to make it right, and doing it online makes the whole process smoother and quicker.
Just remember to double-check the details, follow the instructions in your tax software, and give the IRS some time to process the update. If your state return needs fixing too, take a minute to look up whether your state supports online amendments. Mistakes happen, and the good news is, there’s a system in place to fix them.
Filing an Amended Tax Return Online: FAQ
1. What is an amended tax return, and when should I file one?
An amended tax return is basically a way to fix mistakes or add missing details to a tax return you’ve already submitted. Maybe you forgot to report income, missed a credit, or used the wrong filing status. If anything like that happened, filing an amendment is how you get things straightened out with the IRS. It’s not for simple math errors—those get fixed automatically—but if the issue affects how much you owe or your refund, that’s when you should file.
2. Can I file an amended tax return online, or do I still have to mail it in?
You can absolutely file online—at least for the past few tax years. The IRS allows amended returns to be filed electronically for tax years 2021 and later, as long as your original return was also filed electronically. Most tax software programs like TurboTax, H&R Block, and others support this feature. It’s way more convenient than printing everything out and mailing it in, and it usually speeds up the process a bit too.
3. What form do I need to amend my federal tax return?
The form you’ll use is called Form 1040-X. This is the standard amendment form for individual income taxes, and you’ll need to fill out the corrected information, explain the changes you’re making, and submit any new or corrected documentation that goes along with it. Most tax software will guide you through this step by step if you’re doing it online.
4. How long does it take for the IRS to process an amended return?
Amended returns tend to take longer to process than regular ones. The IRS says it can take up to 20 weeks, though sometimes it’s quicker. You can track the progress using the IRS tool called “Where’s My Amended Return?” It updates once a day, so it’s not instant, but it does help you keep tabs on where things stand.
5. Can I amend my state tax return online too?
That depends on the state. Some states have online portals where you can file an amended return electronically, while others still require you to print out the paperwork and mail it in. You’ll need to check with your state’s department of revenue or tax agency for specific instructions. If you’re using tax software, it might guide you through the state amendment process too—just make sure your state supports it.
6. Is there a deadline to file an amended tax return?
Yes, there is. Generally, you have three years from the original filing deadline to amend your return or two years from the date you paid the tax—whichever comes later. So, for example, if you filed your 2022 return on time in April 2023, you’d usually have until April 2026 to file an amendment. After that window closes, it gets a lot harder to make corrections or claim a refund.
Markos Banos
Markos M. Baños Cabán, Esq., is the Director of Resolutions at Community Tax LLC, where he leads a team of practitioners and service professionals dedicated to resolving complex tax conflicts, including IRS audits, tax liens, and tax debt. A licensed attorney, tax practitioner, and notary public in Puerto Rico, Markos combines his extensive legal expertise and management skills to deliver exceptional results and reduce stress for his clients. He holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Puerto Rico School of Law and has experience in a variety of legal fields, as well as industrial management. Bilingual in English and Spanish, Markos is also a published researcher with a passion for delivering outstanding service.
