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.

Updated Aug 21, 2024 · 3 min read Written by Andy Rosen Lead Writer/Spokesperson

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.

Assigning Editor

Pamela de la Fuente
Assigning Editor | Consumer Credit, Taxes, Retirement, Underrepresented communities, Debt

Pamela de la Fuente leads NerdWallet's consumer credit and debt team. Previously, she led taxes and retirement coverage at NerdWallet. She has been a writer and editor for more than 20 years.

Pamela joined NerdWallet after working at companies including Hallmark Cards, Sprint Corp. and The Kansas City Star.

She is a thought leader in content diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, and finds ways to make every piece of content conversational and accessible to all.

She is a graduate of the Maynard Institute's Maynard 200 program, and was a presenter at the National Association of Black Journalists convention in 2023. She is a two-time winner of the Kansas City Association of Black Journalists' President's Award. She is also a founding co-chair of NerdWallet's Nerds of Color employee resource group.

Pamela is a firm believer in financial education and closing the generational wealth gap . She got into journalism to tell the kind of stories that change the world, in big and small ways. In her work at NerdWallet, she aims to do just that.

Fact Checked

Many, or all, of the products featured on this page are from our advertising partners who compensate us when you take certain actions on our website or click to take an action on their website. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money.

Table of Contents

MORE LIKE THIS Tax preparation and filing Taxes

Table of Contents

MORE LIKE THIS Tax preparation and filing Taxes

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.

Simple tax filing with a $50 flat fee for every scenario

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.

Register Now

for a NerdWallet account

Hassle-free tax filing* is $50 for all tax situations — no hidden costs or fees.

Maximum refund guaranteed

Get every dollar you deserve* when you file with this tax product, powered by Column Tax. File up to 2x faster than traditional options.* Get your refund, and get on with your life.

*guaranteed by Column Tax

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:

Your Social Security number or individual tax ID number . Your date of birth. Your ZIP code.

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.

Check My Amended Return Status

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.

Simple tax filing with a $50 flat fee for every scenario

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.

Register Now

for a NerdWallet account

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:

Your amended return has mistakes, is incomplete or hasn’t been signed. The IRS may have sent your return back to you, asking for more information. Your amended return includes Form 8379, Injured Spouse Allocation. There’s an issue with identity theft or fraud related to your amended return.

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:

Your amended return is for business taxes . Your amended return involves carryback applications and claims. Your amended return has a foreign address.

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

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

Mondays from midnight to 3 a.m. ET. Some Sundays from 1 to 7 a.m. ET [0] Internal Revenue Service . Where's My Amended Return?. Accessed May 23, 2024. Frequently asked questions Will filing electronically speed up my amended tax return?

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

How quickly will the "Where's My Amended Return?" tool show a status update?

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.

Will filing electronically speed up my amended tax return?

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

How quickly will the "Where's My Amended Return?" tool show a status update?

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.

About the author

You’re following Andy Rosen
Visit your My NerdWallet Settings page to see all the writers you're following.

Follow for more nerdy know-how Keep up with your favorite financial topics on NerdWallet.

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.

On a similar note.

Finance Smarter Credit Cards Financial Planning Financial News Small Business

Download the app

QR code for downloading the app

Disclaimer: NerdWallet strives to keep its information accurate and up to date. This information may be different than what you see when you visit a financial institution, service provider or specific product's site. All financial products, shopping products and services are presented without warranty. When evaluating offers, please review the financial institution's Terms and Conditions. Pre-qualified offers are not binding. If you find discrepancies with your credit score or information from your credit report, please contact TransUnion® directly.

NerdUp by NerdWallet credit card: NerdWallet is not a bank. Bank services provided by Evolve Bank & Trust, member FDIC. The NerdUp by NerdWallet Credit Card is issued by Evolve Bank & Trust pursuant to a license from MasterCard International Inc.

Impact on your credit may vary, as credit scores are independently determined by credit bureaus based on a number of factors including the financial decisions you make with other financial services organizations.

NerdWallet Compare, Inc. NMLS ID# 1617539

California: California Finance Lender loans arranged pursuant to Department of Financial Protection and Innovation Finance Lenders License #60DBO-74812

Insurance Services offered through NerdWallet Insurance Services, Inc. (CA resident license no.OK92033) Insurance Licenses

NerdWallet™ | 55 Hawthorne St. - 10th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94105