Where’s My Amended Tax Return? How to Track the Status

You filed your amended federal income tax return weeks ago—and still nothing. No update. No refund. Just silence from the IRS.

Unfortunately, that’s a familiar story for many taxpayers. Amended returns take longer to process because they’re reviewed manually by the Internal Revenue Service, not run through the same automated systems that handle your original return. That means patience is part of the process, but so is knowing how to track what’s happening behind the scenes.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to check your amended return status, how long the IRS typically takes to process it, and what to do if your tax refund seems delayed or missing.

The Official Way to Track Your Amended Return Status

The IRS provides an official tool called “Where’s My Amended Return?” (WMAR)—and yes, that’s the same question on everyone’s mind. This online tracker is the fastest, most reliable way to check your refund status for both individual and business returns.

You can access the WMAR tool on the IRS website. It’s updated daily, so there’s no need to check multiple times per day (we know it’s tempting).

Here’s what you’ll need to check your amended tax return status:

• Social Security Number (SSN) or Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)
• Date of Birth (or business name for business returns)
• ZIP code used on your return

Once you enter your details, you’ll see one of three possible stages:

1. Received: The IRS has your Form 1040-X or 1120-X and is reviewing it.
2. Adjusted: Changes have been made or your case is under additional review.
3. Completed: Processing is finished, and your refund (or balance due) has been finalized.

If you filed electronically, your status should appear within about three weeks. Paper returns may take longer to show up in the system.

The Extended Tax Return Timeline

Even with online tracking tools, the hardest part of filing an amended tax return is the waiting, especially if you’re expecting a tax refund to show up in your bank account.

The Internal Revenue Service currently estimates that most amended returns take 16 to 20 weeks to process, but that’s just an average. In some cases, especially during high-volume filing periods or after major tax law updates, the process can stretch even longer.

Here’s why: amended returns don’t go through the same automated systems as original returns. Every Form 1040-X (for individuals) or 1120-X (for corporations) is manually reviewed by an IRS examiner. That means someone has to read, cross-check, and verify each change you made against your original return and your supporting documents.

For example, if you changed your filing status, added a dependent, or adjusted your income, the IRS must confirm that the numbers now flow correctly through your refund amount or tax due. Each adjustment triggers a chain reaction through your tax year calculations, and that takes time to verify.

Why It Takes So Long

In most cases, the delay isn’t because the IRS lost your paperwork; it’s because your return is sitting in line for manual processing. Here are some of the most common reasons your amended refund may take longer than expected:

• Errors or missing information: Even small mistakes—like entering the wrong Social Security Number or bank account information, forgetting a signature, or omitting an explanation of changes—can send your return back for extra review.
• Additional document requests: The IRS may contact you for supporting forms or proof of deductions before they can continue processing.
• Identity theft or fraud flags: If your return is caught in an identity verification filter, the process pauses until you confirm your identity.
• Paper filing: Mailing your paper return adds multiple layers of delay—mail transit, scanning, data entry, and then manual review. E-filing your return can shave off weeks of waiting.

In short, patience is essential. But so is managing expectations. Once your amended return is marked “Received” in the Where’s My Amended Return system, it can take several weeks before any visible progress appears. The IRS updates the tool once daily, usually at night, so checking multiple times per day won’t speed things up.

If you mailed your return instead of filing electronically, remember that the process starts after the IRS physically receives and logs it. That can take three to four additional weeks on top of normal processing times, especially if you mailed it close to a tax deadline.

We recommend keeping copies of your mailing confirmation, the date sent, and all supporting documents. That way, if your amended tax return takes longer than expected, you have the exact details needed to verify when it was filed and start tracing it if necessary.

What to Do If Your Tax Return Is Stuck or Missing

If your amended return seems to have vanished into thin air, don’t panic, but don’t call the IRS too early, either. The agency specifically asks taxpayers to wait at least 20 weeks before calling about a missing refund.

If it’s been longer than that, here’s what to do next:

1. Check your WMAR status again. Sometimes the system lags behind manual updates.
2. Gather your documentation. Before calling the IRS or your accountant, have these ready:
   • A copy of your original tax return.
   • A copy of your amended return.
   • The mailing date or confirmation if you filed electronically.
3. Call the IRS directly at 866-464-2050 if your return has been in process for longer than 20 weeks.

If the issue relates to identity verification or missing documentation, respond quickly to any letter or notice from the IRS. Delays often happen when taxpayers overlook follow-up requests for additional information.

Avoid Delays with Professional Help

Most amended return delays have nothing to do with the IRS backlog; they’re caused by small, fixable errors. It could be something as simple as:

• Entering an incorrect Social Security Number or taxpayer ID.
• Forgetting a signature or date on a form.
• Leaving out an explanation for why the return is being amended.
• Misreporting adjusted gross income or missing supporting documents like W-2s or 1099s.

Even a minor mistake can trigger an extra review or request for additional information, which restarts the clock on processing time. For business owners, it can affect cash flow, payroll, and financial reporting.

That’s where partnering with OTB Tax makes a real difference. Our experienced team doesn’t just fill out forms, we take the time to understand the why behind your amendment. Whether you’re correcting a filing error, claiming a missed deduction, or addressing an IRS notice, we ensure your amended return is accurate, documented, and strategic.

When you work with an experienced tax strategist, you can expect:

• Complete accuracy: Every figure and form field is verified before submission.
• Strategic review: We look at prior years’ filings for missed credits or deductions that could still put money back in your pocket.
• Direct IRS communication: If your case requires additional review or correspondence, we handle that for you.
• Ongoing support: We track the progress of your amended return and keep you updated every step of the way.

For business owners, accuracy is even more critical. Corporate forms are complex and interconnected with payroll, depreciation schedules, and prior-year carryforwards. A single adjustment can impact multiple tax years or create unintended tax liabilities if not handled carefully. Working with a tax strategist ensures your amendment aligns with your long-term financial goals—not just a short-term correction.

Amending a return can be a smart move when done correctly, especially if you:

• Discovered unclaimed deductions or credits.
• Received new tax documents after filing.
• Need to adjust business income or expenses.
• Want to correct errors that could lead to an audit later.

If you’re unsure whether filing an amended return will benefit you, schedule a Tax Strategy Session with OTB Tax. We’ll review your current and prior returns, identify opportunities to reclaim lost money, and help ensure everything is filed accurately so you can stop worrying about delays and start focusing on growing your business.

Patience Pays—But So Does Preparation

Waiting on an amended tax return takes time, but understanding the process helps you stay confident while you wait. The Where’s My Amended Return? tool is your best resource for tracking updates, and double-checking your documentation before you file can prevent major delays.

If you’re tired of waiting for answers or worried your return was filed incorrectly, OTB Tax can help you fix the issue and move things along faster. Our focus is on helping you free up money legally, morally, and ethically.