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How Do I Check My Amended Tax Return?

So, you’ve bitten the bullet and filed an amended tax return – maybe you forgot a deduction, realized a reporting error, or just plain goofed. Now comes the waiting game, and the inevitable question: “Where’s my amended return?” The good news is, the IRS offers a dedicated tool to track its progress. You can check the status of your amended tax return online through the “Where’s My Amended Return?” (WMAR) tool on the IRS website. You can also check via phone by calling the IRS.

Understanding the “Where’s My Amended Return?” Tool

The WMAR tool is your primary resource for tracking the status of your Form 1040-X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return. This online tool provides updates on your amended return through three stages:

Received: This confirms that the IRS has received your amended return and it’s in their system. It usually takes about 3 weeks for an amended return to show up in the system after you mail it.
Adjusted: This stage signifies that the IRS has adjusted your account based on the information provided in your amended return.
Completed: The IRS has finished processing your amended return, and any resulting refund or payment adjustments will be reflected.

How to Use the WMAR Tool:

Go to the IRS Website: Navigate to the official IRS website (IRS.gov) and search for “Where’s My Amended Return?” or simply type “WMAR” into the search bar.
Enter Required Information: You’ll need to provide the following information:
- Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN): The SSN or ITIN of the primary taxpayer listed on the amended return.
- Date of Birth: The date of birth of the primary taxpayer.
- Zip Code: The zip code that appeared on the original tax return you are amending.
Check the Status: After entering the information, click “Submit.” The tool will then display the current status of your amended return, along with a brief explanation of what that status means.

Checking via Phone

While the WMAR tool is generally the most convenient method, you can also contact the IRS by phone. Be prepared for potentially long wait times. The IRS recommends waiting at least 16 weeks from the date you mailed your amended return before calling.

IRS Phone Number: Call the IRS toll-free at 1-800-829-1040.
Have Information Ready: When you call, have a copy of your amended return handy, as the IRS representative may ask you questions about it to verify your identity and locate your return in their system.

Important Considerations and Limitations

Processing Times: The IRS states that processing an amended return can take up to 16 weeks (approximately 4 months) or even longer in some cases. This is significantly longer than processing a regular tax return.
Online vs. Paper Filing: The WMAR tool can be used to track amended returns filed on paper only. If you filed your original tax return electronically and then filed an amended return on paper, you can still track its status using the WMAR tool. The IRS generally encourages electronic filing for faster processing; however, amended returns must be filed on paper.
System Updates: The WMAR tool is updated no more than once every 24 hours, usually overnight. So, if you recently filed your amended return, don’t expect to see immediate updates.
No Specific Reason Codes: The WMAR tool provides limited information about the specific reasons for any delays or adjustments to your amended return. If you require detailed explanations, you may need to contact the IRS directly.

What to Do If Your Amended Return Is Delayed

Patience is Key: First and foremost, be patient. Processing amended returns takes time.
Check the IRS Website: Regularly check the WMAR tool for updates.
Contact the IRS: If it’s been longer than 16 weeks since you filed your amended return and the WMAR tool hasn’t provided any updates, you can try calling the IRS. However, be aware that IRS representatives may not be able to provide much more information than what’s already available online.
Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS): If you’re experiencing significant delays or hardship and haven’t been able to resolve the issue with the IRS directly, you can contact the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS). TAS is an independent organization within the IRS that helps taxpayers resolve problems with the IRS.

FAQs About Checking Amended Tax Returns

Here are some frequently asked questions that can help you further understand how to check on your amended tax return:

1. How long does it typically take for an amended tax return to be processed?

The IRS states that processing an amended tax return can take up to 16 weeks or longer. Several factors can impact processing times, including the complexity of the return, the volume of amended returns the IRS is processing, and any errors or discrepancies.

2. Can I track an amended state tax return?

The WMAR tool is only for tracking federal amended tax returns. To check the status of an amended state tax return, you’ll need to contact your state’s Department of Revenue or equivalent agency. Each state has its own procedures for tracking amended returns.

3. What does “Adjusted” status mean on the WMAR tool?

“Adjusted” status means that the IRS has made changes to your account based on the information provided in your amended tax return. This could include adjustments to your taxable income, deductions, or credits.

4. What if the WMAR tool says “No Record Found”?

If the WMAR tool says “No Record Found,” it could mean one of several things: your amended return hasn’t been entered into the IRS system yet (it can take up to 3 weeks), you entered your information incorrectly, or your amended return was lost in the mail. Double-check the information you entered and try again later. If the problem persists, contact the IRS.

5. Can I expedite the processing of my amended tax return?

Unfortunately, there’s generally no way to expedite the processing of an amended tax return. The IRS processes returns in the order they are received.

6. What happens after my amended return is “Completed”?

After your amended return is marked as “Completed,” the IRS will either issue you a refund (if you’re due one) or send you a notice if you owe additional taxes.

7. Is there a mobile app for the WMAR tool?

No, there is no official mobile app for the WMAR tool. You can only access it through the IRS website using a web browser on your computer or mobile device.

8. What should I do if I never receive my refund from an amended return?

If you haven’t received your refund within a reasonable timeframe after your amended return was marked as “Completed,” you should contact the IRS to inquire about the status of your refund.

9. Can I amend my tax return if I filed jointly with my spouse?

Yes, you can amend a tax return that was filed jointly with your spouse. Both you and your spouse will need to sign the Form 1040-X.

10. What if I filed my original return electronically but need to amend it?

Even if you filed your original return electronically, you must file the amended return (Form 1040-X) on paper.

11. Where do I mail my amended tax return?

The mailing address for your amended tax return depends on the state where you live and the tax year you are amending. You can find the correct address on the IRS website by searching for “Where to File Form 1040-X.”

12. Does filing an amended return trigger an audit?

While filing an amended return can increase the chances of an audit, it doesn’t automatically trigger one. The IRS may review your amended return more closely than your original return, but most amended returns are processed without any further action.