This article was updated for Tax Year 2023, last edited on February 21st, 2024.
Highlights
This article covers why a user should consider amending their return.
It also covers how to amend and what to expect of the amended process.
Please keep in mind this is only for amending your federal return. If you need to amend your state return, please refer to the state agency for more information.
Why would I file an amended return?
Per the IRS, you should submit an amended return if you reported certain items incorrectly or forgot to include information when you originally filed. These items might include the following, but are not limited to these:
Incorrect filing status
Missing or incorrect dependents
Changes in income
Changes in deductions or credits
If you’re not sure if you should submit an amended return, this questionnaire by the IRS may help you decide.
How do I file an amended return?
While you cannot submit your amended return through april, we’ve provided some helpful information here on the process. For coverage details and other important legal information about Filer, you can read more here.
If you are filing an amended tax return to claim an additional refund, the IRS advises that you wait until you receive your original tax refund before filing Form 1040-X.
If your amendment results in a larger refund, you should get a refund for the additional amount after the amendment is processed (usually in 16 weeks). You can track the progress of your amended return using the Where’s My Amended Return? IRS tool.
Note: Check out the IRS’s Form 1040-X Frequently Asked Questions page for more information.
What is the deadline for filing an amended return?
The IRS will accept an amended return from you up to three years after you have submitted the first return or within two years after you have paid the tax that was due on the return (whichever is later).
There are some rare exceptions to this rule for situations like net operating loss and certain bad debts. Publication 556 can offer additional information.
Note: You’ll need to submit the return by the IRS filing deadline for that year. For example: if you filed your initial return on Feb 15th, 2023, you have until the filing deadline for 2026. The IRS deadline is typically April 15th but it can differ from year to year, so be sure to verify the date here.
How do I track the status of my amended return?
The IRS has stated that it can take 20 weeks or more for processing of your amendment due to the volume of filers.
According to the IRS, here is what you can do if you still have not received notification on your amendment (paper filing or electronic):
Check the "Where is My Amended Return?" IRS link. As the processing of Amendments can take 20 weeks or more, the IRS has established a tool to check the status of your own. It can take up to 3 weeks after submission for your amendment to show in the IRS database. The IRS requires entry of your social security number, date of birth, and zip code when using this tool.
Contact an IRS Agent directly. If you are unable to use the tool to find your amendment status, you can contact the IRS directly via the telephone to get an update.
Be patient and continue to check on your filing. Yes, we understand this is the last thing anyone wants to hear. We want you to receive your hard-earned money in a reasonable time also! The IRS wants to get you your refund and process your tax filing as soon as they receive it. Unfortunately, some filings do take more time and with the sheer volume of amendments and returns to be processed, it takes a bit more time to complete each one.
It has been longer than 20 weeks since submitting my amendment. What are some reasons it is taking so long?
The submitted return has errors that need modifying.
The filing is either incomplete or is not signed.
The IRS needs more information from the filer.
Victim of identity theft or fraud
Submitted with Injured Spouse Allocation (Form 8379)
You can check out this link (paragraph "Amended Return Status") for more information.
As there are many reasons a filing may be delayed, please refer to the IRS website for further explanation.
Why does my return status say "Received" or "Adjusted"?
The IRS changes the status of your amended return as received or adjusted to let you know that they are working on it. Received status means your filing is being processed. Whereas an adjusted status simply means something in your filing required a calculation adjustment which resulted in either a refund, balance due, or no tax change.
Why did I receive more than my expected refund amount?
There are two main reasons this may happen:
Your refund was adjusted by the IRS
Due to interest given to you because of a late refund.
The IRS will provide a letter explaining the changes. Keep an eye on your mailbox for the letter!
This content is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as tax, legal, financial, accounting, or other advice. Rules and regulations vary by location and are subject to change, so please consult with an expert if you need advice specific to you.
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