Effective Strategies for Verifying the Status of an Amended Tax Return

How to Check Status of Amended Return

Amending a tax return is a common occurrence for many taxpayers. Whether it’s due to a mistake on the original return, a change in tax laws, or simply discovering additional income or deductions, it’s important to know how to check the status of your amended return. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it.

1. Gather Your Information

Before you can check the status of your amended return, you’ll need to gather some important information. This includes your Social Security number, the tax year for which you’re amending the return, and the form number of the original return. Having this information on hand will make the process smoother.

2. Visit the IRS Website

The first step in checking the status of your amended return is to visit the IRS website at irs.gov. This is the official website for the Internal Revenue Service, and it provides a variety of resources for taxpayers.

3. Use the “Where’s My Amended Return?” Tool

Once you’re on the IRS website, look for the “Where’s My Amended Return?” tool. This is a convenient online service that allows you to check the status of your amended return. Simply enter the required information, including your Social Security number and the tax year, and the tool will provide you with the most up-to-date status.

4. Check the Amended Return Status

After submitting your information, the “Where’s My Amended Return?” tool will display the status of your amended return. You may see one of the following messages:

• In Process: Your amended return is currently being processed by the IRS.
• Received: Your amended return has been received by the IRS.
• Processed: Your amended return has been processed by the IRS, and any changes have been made to your account.
• Acknowledged: Your amended return has been acknowledged by the IRS, but it has not yet been processed.

5. Wait for the IRS to Process Your Amended Return

It can take the IRS up to 16 weeks to process an amended return. If you don’t see the “Processed” message within that timeframe, it’s possible that your return is still being reviewed. In this case, it’s best to wait a few more weeks before checking the status again.

6. Contact the IRS

If you’ve waited the appropriate amount of time and still don’t see the “Processed” message, you may need to contact the IRS directly. You can do this by calling the IRS at 1-800-829-1040. Be prepared to provide your Social Security number, the tax year, and the form number of your amended return.

By following these steps, you can easily check the status of your amended return and stay informed about any changes to your tax account. Remember, it’s important to file an amended return as soon as possible to ensure that you receive any additional refunds or avoid penalties and interest.