Amended Tax Return Status

If you’re anxiously wondering, “where’s my amended return?”, you’ll be relieved to know that checking the status of your return is actually quite simple. Here’s how to check the status of your amended return.

In order to check the status of your amended return, you will need your:

Social Security Number or your Individual Tax ID Number
Date of birth
Zip Code

Once you have the above information handy, head to the IRS’ Where’s My Amended Return tool and follow the automated prompts. After you’ve filled in all of your information, you’ll be able to view the status of your amended return.

What do the different amended statuses mean?

There are a few different results you may get when you check the status of your return, including:

Return received
Return adjusted
Return completed

But what do these mean for you? According to the IRS Frequently Asked Questions on Amended Returns page, here’s what each amended status indicates:

If your amended return shows as received, the return has been received and is being processed. Once it’s been received, it can take up to 16 weeks to complete processing.
If your amended return shows as adjusted, it means that an adjustment has been made to your original return and will result in a tax refund, balance due, or no change to your tax liability, depending on how the correction impacts your tax return.
If your amended return shows as completed, the return has been completed and the IRS is mailing you follow-up information.

The IRS also notes that their Where’s My Amended Return database updates once per day, typically at night, so you can check the system daily to follow the status of your amended return.

How to File an Amended Tax Return

Filing an amended tax return is a straightforward process. The IRS recognizes that mistakes happen, providing an easy way to manage an inaccurate tax return; Form 1040x. A taxpayer uses , and it is broken into three sections.

Column A

In column A you must input the amounts you filed on the incorrect (original) tax return.

Column B

Column B is going to be the total change or difference, that occurs between the inaccurate tax return and the amended one. It is the value change between column A and column C.

Column C

Column C, as you can deduce, is the corrected return, up-to-date with the accurate figures that need to be reflected.

Outside of the Three Columns

Additionally, you will need to indicate the tax year you are amending. If there happen to be multiple, separate each into their own envelope. We encourage you to send the forms via certified mail.

If you owe the IRS money, then you must include a check or money order with your amended return. Note: do not attach it specifically to Form 1040X, simply place it within the appropriate envelope. If you wish to pay online, the ‘payment options’ section of the IRS’s website can assist you.

Lastly, with each separate amended tax return, you must include a copy of the tax return in question. This may also require you to provide evidence for the changes you are making, such as including a W-2 or 1099 that are responsible. These copies must be listed in the order of the ‘attachment sequence no.’ which is found on the backside of Form 1040X.

When to File an Amended Tax Return

As we mentioned above, you will want to file an amended tax return if your income, filing status, deductions, or credits listed on your original return were not accurate.

If you filed a tax return or even a tax extension, then you have three years from the latest date-of-file to obtain your refund or credit. If you paid the tax, then that window becomes two years. If you need to file an amended tax return, then we encourage that you either file or seek

I Have Not Received My Amended Tax Refund

Again, please allow 16 weeks to pass before worrying about your tax refund. The IRS states specifically that a refund can take this amount of time to process. With that being said, if you have not received your tax refund or credit within that timeframe and you have utilized their ‘Where’s My Amended Return’ tool to check on your amended return status, then call the IRS at 1-866-464-2050 to inquire about your case.

Amended Tax Return Tips & Facts

As with any tax filing, there is going to be the right way to do it, the wrong way to do it, and the information that differentiates the two. To stay in good standing with the IRS, keep the following tips in mind when dealing with amended tax returns.

You Don’t Always Have to File

Some tax return mistakes do not need to be amended. A common one is a math mistake, especially if it is minor, as the IRS will correct it on their end and notify you if a correction was made.

Don’t Forget to Explain

Part III of Form 1040X requires you to explain, with your own words, what went wrong in your original tax return. Exercising is brevity is recommended but withholding information is not. Be concise and honest. They want to understand why this amendment is occurring.

State Tax Form, Also A Problem?

After you have sent in Form 1040X, ensure that your state taxes do not also need to be amended. Sometimes, the root of the problem affects both tax filings.

Audit

While conclusive evidence that amended tax forms trigger audits does not exist, tax professionals tend to recognize a relationship between the two. Be aware that, especially if you are asking for a large return, the IRS may investigate your case.

Conclusion

Do not wait before filing an amended tax return—particularly if you are positive the original is inaccurate. Follow the process with meticulousness and allow 16 weeks after your submission to pass. If by then your amended tax returns have not been processed, reach out to the IRS, or seek the help of a tax professional.

(800) 444-0622

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