Amended returns & Form 1040X

Since the IRS didn't catch your mistake during processing, you should:

• File an amended return using Form 1040-X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return as soon as possible.
• Include any forms and/or schedules that you're changing and/or didn't include with the original return.
• Return the refund check with a letter of explanation. Write "Void" in the endorsement section of the check when you return it.
• Don't staple, bend, or paper clip the check.
• When your amended return has completed processing, the IRS will issue a new refund check.
• Allow 8 to 12 weeks for your amended return to be processed; however, in some cases, processing can take up to 16 weeks. For current processing status, check our processing status dashboard.

Additional Information:

• Should I file an amended return?
• Instructions for Form 1040-X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return
• Tax Topic 308 - Amended returns
• Tax Topic 161 - Returning an erroneous refund – Paper check or direct deposit
• Form 1040-X frequently asked questions

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Category:

How can I check the status of my amended return?

Answer:

You can check the status of your Form 1040-X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return using the Where's My Amended Return? online tool or by calling the toll-free telephone number 866-464-2050 three weeks after you file your amended return. Both tools are available in English and Spanish and track the status of amended returns for the current year and up to three prior years.

When using either tool, you must enter your taxpayer identification number, such as your Social Security number, along with your date of birth, and ZIP code to prove your identity. Once authenticated, you can view the status of your amended return across three processing stages -- Received, Adjusted, and Completed.

The online tool includes an illustrated graphic that visually communicates where your amended return resides within the processing stages. Allow 8 to 12 weeks for your amended return to be processed; however, in some cases, processing can take up to 16 weeks. It can take up to three weeks after filing it to show up in our system. There’s no need to call the IRS during that three-week period unless the tool specifically tells you to do so. For current processing status, check our processing status dashboard.

Additional Information:

• Tax Topic 308 — Amended returns
• Form 1040-X frequently asked questions