Wheres My Amended Return if you have filed an amended tax return, you may be wondering how long it will take to process and when you will receive your refund or pay your balance due. Filing an amended return can be necessary if you made a mistake on your original return, such as omitting income, claiming wrong deductions or credits, or reporting incorrect filing status. However, amending your return can also delay your tax outcome and cause some confusion.
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In this article, we will explain how to file an amended return, how to check the status of your amended return, and what to expect from the process.
How to file an amended return
The IRS allows taxpayers to file an amended return if they need to correct their tax return for the current year or up to three prior years. The form used to file an amended return is Form 1040-X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return. You can find the instructions and the form on the IRS website1.
Depending on the tax year and the type of form you are amending, you may be able to file your amended return electronically or by paper. For tax years 2020, 2021 and 2022, you can file an amended Form 1040, 1040-SR or 1040-NR electronically using available tax software products. You can also file an amended Form 1040-SS/PR electronically for tax years 2021 and 2022. For other tax years or forms, you will need to file your amended return by paper.
To file an amended return electronically, you will need to contact your preferred tax software provider and follow their instructions. To file an amended return by paper, you will need to mail your completed Form 1040-X along with any supporting forms and schedules to the IRS address for your state2. You should write “Amended” on the top of your form and include a brief explanation of why you are amending your return.
You should only file one amended return per tax year, unless instructed otherwise by the IRS. If you are amending more than one tax year, you should mail each year’s amended return in a separate envelope.
How to check the status of your amended return
You can check the status of your amended return online using the Where’s My Amended Return tool3 on the IRS website. You can also call the toll-free number 866-464-2050 to access the automated system.
To use the tool or the phone system, you will need to provide your Social Security number, date of birth and ZIP code. You will be able to see the status of your amended return for the current year and up to three prior years.
The tool or the phone system will show you one of three statuses:
- Received: The IRS has received your amended return and it is being processed.
- Adjusted: The IRS has processed your amended return and made an adjustment to your account. You will receive a notice explaining the adjustment in the mail.
- Completed: The IRS has completed processing your amended return and mailed you a notice with the final resolution.
You should wait at least three weeks after mailing your amended return before checking its status. It may take up to 16 weeks for the IRS to process your amended return. However, due to the coronavirus pandemic, it may take longer than usual.
What to expect from the process
Filing an amended return can affect your tax outcome in different ways. Depending on whether you are expecting a refund or owe a balance due, here are some things to expect from the process:
- If you are expecting a refund from your original or amended return, you should wait until you receive it before filing your amended return. You can cash or deposit your original refund check while waiting for your additional refund from your amended return.
- If you owe a balance due from your original or amended return, you should pay it as soon as possible to avoid interest and penalties. You can pay online, by phone, by mail or in person using various payment options4. You should not wait until you receive a notice from the IRS to pay your balance due.
- If you are amending a federal tax return that affects your state tax return, you may need to file an amended state tax return as well. You should check with your state tax agency for their rules and procedures for amending state tax returns.
- If you are amending a tax return that involves certain credits or deductions that have income limits or phaseouts, such as the earned income tax credit, the child tax credit or the student loan interest deduction, you may see a change in the amount of these benefits. You should review the eligibility requirements and calculations for these benefits carefully before filing your amended return.
- If you are amending a tax return that involves foreign income or assets, such as foreign bank accounts, foreign trusts or foreign corporations, you may need to file additional forms or reports, such as Form 8938, Statement of Specified Foreign Financial Assets, or FinCEN Form 114, Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts. You should consult with a tax professional or an attorney before filing your amended return.
Filing an amended return can be a complex and lengthy process, but it can also help you correct your tax situation and avoid potential problems with the IRS. By following the steps above, you can file your amended return correctly and check its status easily.
How long does it take to process an amended return?
According to the IRS, it can take up to 3 weeks after mailing your amended return for it to show up in their system. Then, it can take up to 16 weeks for the IRS to process your amended return12. However, due to the coronavirus pandemic and other factors, it may take longer than usual3. You can check the status of your amended return online using the Where’s My Amended Return tool4 or by calling the toll-free number 866-464-2050. You will need to provide your Social Security number, date of birth and ZIP code to access the information.
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