How to track an amended tax return

The IRS provides the status of the Form 1040X, Amended tax return for the current year and up to three years prior. The status of your amended return can be tracked by going to www.irs.gov and clicking Where's My Amended Return?, or by calling 866.464.2050.

Timing

Amended returns take up to three weeks after filing to show up in the "Where's My Amended Return?" system. These returns can also take up to sixteen weeks to process after the IRS receives the return. 

Requirements

To check the status of your amended return, you will need to provide the following information:

  • Taxpayer Identification Number (for most taxpayers, that is their social security number)
  • Date of birth
  • ZIP code

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No, you can only check the status of your original current year refund online. You must call our tax information line at 1 800-732-8866 to check your refund from your amended return, or you may use the "Questions, Comments, or Request" link at the bottom of this page to email your inquiry. 

Tax guide

How do I check on my amended return status?

Updated for filing 2021 tax returns

Once you’ve filed your amended return, you can use the IRS “Where’s My Amended Return” page to see if it is pending, processing or approved.

For more info, see our Tax Guide page on amending a tax return.

How to track an amended tax return

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An amended tax return corrects mistakes on a federal tax return. Here's how to file a Form 1040-X with the IRS, when to amend a tax return and other rules you need to know.

What is an amended tax return?

IRS Form 1040-X, also known as an amended tax return, is a form that taxpayers can file with the IRS to correct mistakes made on a federal tax return. The form is typically used to reconcile errors concerning filing status, income, deductions or credits claimed or tax liability.

How does an amended tax return work?

IRS Form 1040-X is the form you fill out to amend or correct a tax return. On that form, you show the IRS your changes to your tax return and the correct tax amount.

  • If you’re fixing more than one year of returns, you’ll need to fill out a separate Form 1040-X for each. You’ll also need to include forms or schedules affected by the changes.

  • If you're filing Form 1040-X to get money back, you generally need to do so within three years of filing your original return or within two years of paying the tax, whichever is later.

You might catch an error before the IRS does, or you might receive new tax documents after you’ve already filed — if your employer sends you a revised W-2, for example. In those cases, don’t fire off a letter to the IRS saying, “Forgot to include some income. Here’s 10 bucks" or "You owe me $50." Fill out Form 1040-X.

The IRS also has an interview-style tool that can help you to determine whether your situation requires filing an amended return.

🤓Nerdy Tip

In 2020, the IRS began allowing taxpayers to file Form 1040-X electronically. This means you can file an amended 1040 and 1040-SR form for tax years 2019, 2020, 2021 (and beyond) online. If you need to file an amended return for an older return (2018 or earlier), the amended return must be filed with the IRS by mail.

You can file an amended tax return on your own

People with simple tax situations and small changes might be able to file an amended tax return on their own. Many major tax software packages include modules that will file an amended tax return. Many tax preparers are happy to file amended returns as well.

And note: Amending your federal tax return could mean having to amend your state tax return, too.

Ask if your preparer charges for an amended tax return

If you used a human tax preparer, don’t assume they will amend your tax return for free or pay the extra taxes, interest or penalties from a mistake. For example, if you forgot to give the preparer information or gave incorrect information, you’ll likely have to pay for the extra work.

If the error is the preparer’s fault, who pays for an amended tax return may depend on the wording in your client agreement.

Keep an eye on the calendar

Generally, the IRS audits only returns from the previous three tax years — though there are major exceptions. So although it might be tempting to wait and see if the IRS will catch you in an error, it might be cheaper to fess up sooner rather than later.

The IRS charges interest and penalties on outstanding tax liabilities going all the way back to the original due date of the tax payment. So the longer you wait to fix a mistake, the more expensive that mistake can get.

Where's my amended return?

If you've filed Form 1040-X and are wondering, "Where's my amended return?" there's good news: You can track the progress by using the IRS's online tracking tool or by calling the IRS.

  • It can take three weeks for an amended return to show up in the IRS’s system and more than 20 weeks to process an amended return.

  • If nothing has happened after 20 weeks, check the online tracking tool, call the IRS or ask someone at a local IRS office to research your amended return.

How to track an amended tax return

  • Federal: $24.95 to $64.95. Free version available for simple returns only.

  • State: $29.95 to $44.95.

  • All filers get access to Xpert Assist for free until April 7.

Promotion: NerdWallet users get 25% off federal and state filing costs.

How to track an amended tax return

  • Federal: $39 to $119. Free version available for simple returns only.

  • State: $49 per state.

  • TurboTax Live packages offer review with a tax expert.

Promotion: NerdWallet users can save up to $15 on TurboTax.

How to track an amended tax return

  • Federal: $29.99 to $84.99. Free version available for simple returns only.

  • State: $36.99 per state.

  • Online Assist add-on gets you on-demand tax help.

Can you track an amended tax refund?

How can I check the status of my amended return? You can check the status of your Form 1040-X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return using the Where's My Amended Return? online tool or by calling the toll-free telephone number 866-464-2050 three weeks after you file your amended return.

When can I expect my amended tax refund?

Your amended return will take up to 3 weeks after you mailed it to show up on our system. Processing it can take up to 16 weeks.

Is the IRS still behind on amended returns?

Amended tax return processing backlogs continue with no sign of abating. The IRS reports that 2.7 million individual amended tax returns remained unprocessed as of October 16, 2021 and millions of correspondence pieces that may include numerous unposted amended returns.

How do I know if my amended tax return was processed?

You can check the status of your Form 1040-X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return using the Where's My Amended Return? online tool or by calling the toll-free telephone number 866-464-2050 three weeks after you file your amended return.