Refunds
Where’s my amended return? How to check your Form 1040-X
An amended return on Form 1040-X is tracked in its own IRS tool, Where’s My Amended Return, not in Where’s My Refund. It shows up about three weeks after you submit it, and the IRS says to allow 8 to 12 weeks for processing, up to 16 in some cases. You need your Social Security number, date of birth and ZIP code.
How to check it
Start about three weeks after you mail or e-file the 1040-X:
- Online: the Where’s My Amended Return tool on irs.gov, or the IRS app.
- By phone: 866-464-2050, the automated amended return line.
- Either way you need your Social Security number, date of birth and ZIP code.
- It covers the current tax year and up to three prior years.
What the three statuses mean
An Adjusted status is usually followed by a notice explaining the change, and a refund if the amendment produced one.
| Status | What it means |
|---|---|
| Received | The IRS has your amended return and is processing it. |
| Adjusted | The IRS made an adjustment to your account. It will mean a refund, a balance due or no change in tax. |
| Completed | Processing is finished. The IRS mails you the details. |
How long an amended return takes
The IRS says to allow 8 to 12 weeks, and in some cases up to 16. E-filing the 1040-X can shorten that by a week or two; you can e-file up to three amended returns for the same tax year. Paper amended returns are slower: in November 2026 the IRS was still processing ones it received in August.
Amended returns take longer when they have errors, are incomplete or unsigned, need more information, include an injured spouse allocation, or are affected by identity theft or fraud.
Returns the tool cannot show
Some amended returns never appear in Where’s My Amended Return, according to the IRS:
- Carryback applications and claims.
- Injured spouse claims.
- A Form 1040 marked as an amended or corrected return instead of a 1040-X.
- An amended return with a foreign address.
- An amended business return.
- An amended return handled by a specialized unit, such as Examination or Bankruptcy.
When to call the IRS
Call only if it has been more than 16 weeks since you mailed the amended return, or the tool tells you to. Where’s My Refund will not show an amended return at any point.
Need to amend a return?
We prepare and e-file Form 1040-X for current and prior years, including the matching state amendment, and tell you up front whether the change is worth filing. Remotely or at our Naperville office.
Questions people ask
How long does it take for an amended return to show up?
About three weeks after you submit Form 1040-X, whether you mail it or e-file it. Processing then takes 8 to 12 weeks, and up to 16 in some cases.
What does “Adjusted” mean on Where’s My Amended Return?
The IRS made an adjustment to your account because of the amended return, which will mean a refund, a balance due or no change in tax. A notice explaining it follows by mail.
Can I check my amended return in Where’s My Refund?
No. Where’s My Refund does not show Form 1040-X information. Use Where’s My Amended Return or call 866-464-2050.
Why is my amended return not showing up?
It may be less than three weeks since you filed it, or it may be a type the tool does not track, such as a carryback claim, an injured spouse claim, a return with a foreign address or one handled by a specialized IRS unit.
Can I e-file an amended return?
Yes. You can e-file up to three amended returns for the same tax year. The IRS says e-filing may speed processing by a week or two.
Where these rules come from
- IRS: Where’s My Amended Return?
- IRS: Amended return frequently asked questions
- IRS: About Where’s My Refund?
- IRS: Let us help you
- IRS: Processing status for tax forms
General information, current when written, not advice about your situation. Fees and forms change; the official pages above are the authority.
