Where to check your amended return
The IRS has one main tool to track an amended return: the IRS Where's My Amended Return tool on IRS.gov. This tool tells you whether the IRS has received your amended return, whether it is being processed, and whether there are any issues holding it up. You can check the status about four weeks after you mail your return, or two weeks after you e-file it.
You will need your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact amount of your refund or tax owed from the amended return. The tool does not show you a step-by-step timeline the way the original return tracker does — it shows you only the current status and any problems.
If you filed Form 1040-X (the amended return form), the IRS processes it by hand, which is slower than processing an original return. Processing times vary widely depending on how busy the IRS is and whether your return has errors or missing information.
Key Takeaways
- The IRS Where's My Amended Return tool is the official place to check status, and you can use it about four weeks after mailing or two weeks after e-filing.
- Amended returns are processed by hand and take longer than original returns — expect several months rather than weeks.
- If the tool shows no status at all, your return may not have arrived yet, or the IRS may not have opened it for processing.
- The IRS will contact you by mail if there is a problem with your amended return, not by phone or email.
- You can call the IRS directly if your amended return has been in process for longer than the normal timeframe, but wait times are long.
How to use the Where's My Amended Return tool
Go to IRS.gov and search for "Where's My Amended Return" — it will be the first result. Click the link and you will see a box asking for three pieces of information: your Social Security number, your filing status (single, married filing jointly, etc.), and the refund amount or tax amount from your amended return.
Enter the exact refund or tax figure from line 11 of your Form 1040-X. If you are unsure of the exact amount, look at the copy you kept or the confirmation email if you e-filed. The tool will not accept an approximate number.
After you enter the information, the tool will show you one of four statuses: "We received your return," "We are processing your return," "We sent you a notice," or no result at all. If it shows no result, your return either has not arrived yet or the IRS has not begun processing it.
What each status message means
"We received your return" means the IRS has your amended return in its system but has not started processing it yet. This is normal for the first few weeks. You should see it move to "processing" status within four to eight weeks of mailing or two to four weeks of e-filing.
"We are processing your return" means the IRS is actively working on it. This stage can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the complexity of your return and the IRS workload. If your return is straightforward and has no errors, processing usually takes two to four months from the date the IRS started working on it.
"We sent you a notice" means the IRS has a question about your amended return or found an error. Check your mail — the IRS will send you a letter explaining what it needs. Do not ignore this notice. You will have a important date (usually 30 days) to respond. If you do not respond, the IRS will process your return without the information you did not provide, which may mean your refund is smaller or your tax bill is larger than you expected.
If the tool shows no status at all after four weeks of mailing or two weeks of e-filing, your return may still be in the mail to the IRS, or the IRS may not have logged it into the system yet. Wait another week or two and check again.
How long amended returns actually take
The IRS does not publish a single processing time for amended returns because it depends on several factors. A straightforward amended return with no errors may be processed in two to three months. A return with missing information, math errors, or conflicting data from employers or banks can take six months or longer.
The IRS is also slower during tax season (January through April) because staff are focused on processing original returns. If you file an amended return in February, expect it to take longer than if you file in September.
If your amended return has been in "processing" status for longer than six months, you can call the IRS at 800-829-1040 to ask for an update. Have your Social Security number, filing status, and the amount from your amended return ready. Be prepared for a long wait time — the IRS phone lines are often busy, especially during tax season.
What to do if the IRS contacts you about your amended return
The IRS will contact you by mail only — never by phone or email. If you receive a call or email claiming to be from the IRS about your amended return, it is a scam. Hang up or delete it.
If you receive a letter from the IRS, read it carefully. It will explain what information is missing or what the IRS questions about your return. Follow the instructions in the letter exactly. Usually you will need to send additional documents (like receipts, bank statements, or a written explanation) within 30 days.
Send your response by certified mail so you have proof the IRS received it. Keep a copy for your records. If you miss the important date, the IRS will process your return without your response, which may result in a smaller refund or a larger tax bill than you expected.
Why your amended return might be delayed
The most common reason for delays is missing or incomplete information. If you did not include all the forms the IRS needs (like a Schedule C if you are self-employed, or a Schedule A if you are itemizing deductions), the IRS will send you a notice asking for them.
Math errors also slow down processing. If the numbers on your amended return do not add up correctly, or if they conflict with information the IRS already has from your employer or bank, the IRS will flag it for manual review.
Identity theft or fraud concerns can also cause delays. If the IRS suspects your return might be fraudulent, it will hold it for additional review. This is rare, but it can add weeks or months to processing time.
Finally, if you amended a return that was already amended, processing takes even longer because the IRS has to track multiple versions of the same return.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I check the status of an amended return I filed years ago?
The Where's My Amended Return tool works only for returns filed within the last three years. If your amended return is older than that, the IRS has finished processing it. If you never received a refund or never paid a bill, call the IRS at 800-829-1040 to ask what happened.
What if I filed my amended return by mail and it has been six weeks with no status?
Mail can take two to three weeks to reach the IRS, so six weeks is still within the normal window. Wait another two weeks and check again. If there is still no status after eight weeks, call the IRS to confirm they received it.
Do I need to do anything while my amended return is being processed?
No, unless the IRS sends you a notice. Do not file another amended return or contact the IRS unless your status has not changed for longer than six months. If you do contact them, have your information ready and be prepared for a wait.
Will my amended return refund be deposited to the same bank account as my original return?
Only if you provided the same account information on your amended return. If you changed banks or want the refund sent to a different account, you must include that information on your Form 1040-X. If you already filed and want to change where the refund goes, call the IRS before they process the return.
What if the IRS sends me a notice but I do not have the documents they are asking for?
Send a written explanation with whatever documentation you do have. Explain why you cannot provide the rest. The IRS will review what you send and make a decision based on that. Sending something is always better than sending nothing.