How to Check the Status of Your Amended Tax Return

Where to Check Your Amended Return Status

The IRS tracks amended returns separately from original returns, and you check the status through the same tool you would use for any return: the IRS website or by phone. The fastest method is the IRS Where's My Amended Return tool, which you access at irs.gov. This tool shows you whether the IRS has received your amended return (Form 1040-X), how far along it is in processing, and whether there are any issues holding it up.

You can also call the IRS directly at 1-800-829-1040 to speak with a representative who can look up your amended return by your Social Security number and filing status. Phone lines are typically less busy early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Have your Social Security number, filing status, and the tax year you amended ready before you call.

Key Takeaways

The IRS Where's My Amended Return tool at irs.gov is the fastest way to check status and requires your Social Security number, filing status, and the tax year amended.
Amended returns take longer to process than original returns — typically 8 to 12 weeks, sometimes longer if the IRS needs to verify information.
If your amended return shows a status of "received" for more than 12 weeks, contact the IRS by phone to confirm it has not been lost or delayed.
The IRS will not show a refund amount in the status tool until the amended return is fully processed and approved.

What Information You Need to Check Status

Before you go to the IRS website or pick up the phone, gather three pieces of information: your Social Security number (or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number if you filed with an ITIN), your filing status from the tax year you amended, and the tax year of the return you amended. For example, if you amended your 2022 return in 2024, you would enter 2022 as the tax year.

You do not need the amended return itself or a confirmation number. The IRS system pulls up your record based on your Social Security number and the year. If you filed jointly, either spouse can check the status using their own Social Security number.

How Long Amended Returns Take to Process

An amended return takes longer than an original return. The IRS typically processes amended returns within 8 to 12 weeks of receiving them, though some take longer if the IRS needs additional information from you or if there are errors on the form. If your amended return involves a refund, the IRS will not issue it until the entire return is approved and processed.

If you mailed your amended return, add 2 to 3 weeks to the processing timeline to account for mail delivery. The IRS Where's My Amended Return tool will show "received" once the return arrives at the IRS, but this does not mean processing has begun — it only means the IRS has logged it into the system.

What the Status Messages Mean

The IRS Where's My Amended Return tool displays a few different status messages. "Received" means the IRS has logged your amended return but has not yet started reviewing it. "Being processed" means the IRS is examining your return and verifying the information you provided. "Completed" means the IRS has finished reviewing your amended return and made a decision.

If the tool shows "We received your amended return but cannot locate it in our system," the return may still be in the mail or there may be a data entry error. Wait a few more days and check again. If this message persists after 4 weeks, call the IRS to confirm the return was received.

What to Do If Your Amended Return Is Delayed

If your amended return has shown "received" status for more than 12 weeks, or if the tool says it cannot locate your return after 4 weeks, contact the IRS by phone. Have your Social Security number, filing status, and the date you mailed or filed the amended return ready. The representative can search the IRS database by these details and tell you whether the return is still in the queue or if there is a problem.

Common reasons for delays include errors on the amended return form itself (such as a mismatched Social Security number or incorrect filing status), missing signatures, or a backlog in the IRS processing center. If the IRS finds an error, they will typically send you a letter explaining what needs to be corrected. Do not file another amended return unless the IRS specifically asks you to — filing a second amended return can restart the clock and delay your refund further.

Refunds From Amended Returns

If you amended your return because you overpaid taxes and are owed a refund, the IRS will not show the refund amount in the status tool until the amended return is fully processed. Once the status shows "completed," check your bank account or mailbox within 2 to 3 weeks. The IRS issues refunds by direct deposit if you provided banking information on the amended return, or by check if you did not.

If you are still waiting for a refund 3 weeks after the status changed to "completed," use the IRS Where's My Refund tool (a separate tool from the amended return tracker) to see if the refund has been issued. That tool shows the exact date the refund will arrive or has been sent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I check the status of an amended return I filed electronically?

Yes, the process is the same whether you filed electronically or by mail. The IRS Where's My Amended Return tool tracks both. Electronic returns are typically logged into the system within 24 hours, while mailed returns take 2 to 3 weeks to appear in the system.

What if I filed an amended return but the tool says it has no record of it?

Wait 3 to 4 weeks if you mailed it, or 24 hours if you filed electronically. If the tool still shows no record, call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 with your Social Security number and the date you filed. The representative can search by filing date and confirm whether the return arrived.

Will checking the status of my amended return delay it?

No. Checking the status through the IRS website or by phone does not affect processing time or priority. You can check as often as you want without any impact on when the IRS will finish reviewing your return.

How do I know if the IRS rejected my amended return?

The IRS does not use the word "rejected" in the status tool. If there is a problem, the status will remain "received" or "being processed" longer than expected, and the IRS will send you a letter explaining what needs to be fixed. Check your mail regularly while your amended return is being processed.

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.