How to Check on Your Amended Tax Return Status

Where to Check Your Amended Return

The IRS has two main ways to track an amended return you've filed. The fastest is the IRS Where's My Amended Return tool, which you can access on IRS.gov without logging in. This tool tells you whether the IRS has received your amended return and what stage it's in — received, being processed, or completed.

You can also call the IRS directly at 1-800-829-1040 and speak with a representative who can look up your amended return status by Social Security number and filing year. Wait times are typically shorter early in the morning and during off-peak tax season (after April 15). Have your Social Security number, filing status, and the year you're asking about ready when you call.

A third option is to visit an IRS walk-in office in your area if you prefer to ask in person. You can find the nearest office on IRS.gov by entering your zip code. Bring your Social Security number and a photo ID.

Key Takeaways

The IRS Where's My Amended Return tool on IRS.gov is the fastest way to check status and requires no login or account.
Amended returns typically take 8 to 12 weeks to process after the IRS receives them, though some take longer depending on complexity.
You can call 1-800-829-1040 to speak with an IRS representative who will look up your status by Social Security number.
The IRS will not show your amended return status until at least 4 weeks after you mailed it or filed it electronically.

How Long Amended Returns Take to Process

An amended return does not move as fast as an original return. After the IRS receives your amended return, you should expect to wait 8 to 12 weeks before it is fully processed. Some amended returns take longer — up to 16 weeks — if the IRS needs to verify information or if your return involves certain credits or deductions that require extra review.

The clock starts when the IRS actually receives your return, not when you mail it or file it electronically. If you mailed a paper amended return, allow 2 to 3 weeks for it to reach the IRS processing center before you check the status tool. If you filed electronically, the IRS usually receives it within 24 hours.

Do not check the status tool before 4 weeks have passed. The IRS will not show your amended return in the system until at least that much time has gone by, even if they have received it. Checking too early will only show "return not found," which does not mean there is a problem.

What the Status Tool Actually Tells You

The Where's My Amended Return tool shows one of three messages. "Return received" means the IRS has your amended return but has not started processing it yet. This is normal and can last several weeks. "Being processed" means the IRS is reviewing your return and checking the information you provided. "Completed" means the IRS has finished reviewing your amended return and either approved the changes or sent you a notice about what they found.

The tool does not tell you whether you will receive a refund, owe money, or what the final outcome will be. It only tells you whether the IRS has the return and what stage it is in. If your status shows "completed," check your mail for an IRS notice within 1 to 2 weeks. The notice will explain what the IRS decided about your amended return.

What to Do If Your Status Shows "Return Not Found"

If the tool says your return was not found, it usually means one of three things: the IRS has not received it yet, you entered the wrong information, or you are checking too early. First, verify that you entered your Social Security number and tax year correctly — even one wrong digit will cause the search to fail.

If the information is correct and you mailed your amended return more than 4 weeks ago, call 1-800-829-1040 and ask a representative to search for it manually. They can see returns that have not yet entered the main system. If you filed electronically, the IRS should have received it within 24 hours, so if more than a week has passed and the tool still shows nothing, a phone call is worth making.

Keep a copy of your mailed amended return or your electronic filing confirmation. If you mailed it, the IRS can search by the date you mailed it and your Social Security number. If you filed electronically, you should have a confirmation number from your tax software or tax preparer — have that ready when you call.

Amended Returns Filed by a Tax Professional

If you paid a tax preparer or accountant to file your amended return, ask them for the filing date and confirmation number before they submit it. Many tax professionals file amended returns electronically on behalf of clients, and they should give you proof of filing. This proof is what you need to check the status later.

Some tax professionals will check the status for you and notify you when it is completed. If yours does not offer this, you can check it yourself using the same tool and phone number. The status will show the same way whether you filed it yourself or had someone file it for you.

If your tax professional filed the return and you cannot find a confirmation number or filing date, contact their office and ask for it. They are required to keep records of what they filed and when. This information is yours to have.

Common Reasons Amended Returns Take Longer

Some amended returns move through the system faster than others. Returns that only correct a name, address, or Social Security number usually process in 4 to 6 weeks. Returns that change income, deductions, or credits take longer because the IRS has to verify the new numbers against other documents they have on file.

Amended returns that claim certain credits — like the Earned Income Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit — almost always take the full 8 to 12 weeks or longer. The IRS has to confirm that you still meet the requirements for those credits based on the amended information. If you claimed a credit on your original return and removed it on your amended return, that also triggers extra review.

If your amended return involves business income, rental income, or investment income, expect the longer end of the timeline. The IRS cross-checks these against other tax documents filed in the system, which takes time.

What Happens After Your Amended Return Is Completed

Once the IRS finishes processing your amended return, they will send you a notice in the mail. This notice explains what they decided about the changes you made. If they approved all your changes, the notice will show the new refund amount or the new amount you owe. If they made adjustments or have questions, the notice will explain what they changed and why.

If the IRS approves your amended return and you are owed a refund, they will mail the refund check or deposit it to the bank account you provided on the amended return. Refunds from amended returns are not issued as quickly as refunds from original returns — allow 2 to 4 weeks after the status shows "completed" for the refund to arrive.

If the notice says you owe money, you can pay it online through IRS.gov, by phone, or by mail. The notice will include instructions and a payment important date. If you cannot pay the full amount, you can set up a payment plan with the IRS.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I check the status of an amended return I filed years ago?

Yes, but only if the IRS is still processing it or if it was completed within the last few years. The Where's My Amended Return tool searches back several years. If your amended return was filed more than 3 years ago and you never received a notice about it, contact the IRS by phone to ask whether they have a record of it.

What if I filed an amended return but the status tool never shows it?

Call 1-800-829-1040 and have your filing confirmation number or the date you mailed it ready. A representative can search manually and tell you whether the IRS received it. If they did not receive a mailed return after 6 weeks, you may need to file another one.

Do I need to do anything while my amended return is being processed?

No. Do not file another amended return or contact the IRS unless the status tool shows "completed" and you received a notice with a problem. If the IRS needs more information from you, they will send you a notice in the mail asking for it.

Will checking my amended return status affect my taxes or trigger an audit?

No. Checking the status of your amended return has no effect on your tax account or your chances of being audited. The IRS processes amended returns the same way whether you check the status or not.

How do I know if my amended return was actually received if the tool says "not found"?

Call 1-800-829-1040 with your Social Security number and the date you mailed or filed the return. A representative can search the IRS system manually and confirm whether they have it, even if it has not appeared in the online tool yet.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.