What an Amended Return and Form 1040-X Are
A tax return is the form you file with the IRS to report your income, claim deductions and credits, and figure out your tax. If you find a mistake after filing your original return, you correct it by filing an amended return. Form 1040-X is the IRS form you file to make that correction.
You can use tax software to e-file Form 1040-X. You can file up to 3 amended returns for the same tax year.
Amended Return Processing Times
Once you submit Form 1040-X, here’s what the IRS timeline looks like.
| Milestone | Timing |
|---|---|
| Status shows in the IRS tracking tool | 3 weeks after you submit |
| Typical processing | 8–12 weeks |
| Longer cases | Up to 16 weeks |
| Regular e-filed return with direct deposit (for comparison) | Generally within 21 days |
That last row shows why amended returns feel slow. A regular e-filed return with direct deposit is generally refunded within 21 days, as our IRS refund schedule explains.
What Can Make Your Amended Return Take Longer
The IRS says processing can take longer than 12 weeks if your return has any of these issues:
- Errors
- Incomplete information
- A missing signature
- Form 8379, Injured Spouse Allocation
- Suspected identity theft or fraud
Delays also happen when the IRS has to route your return to a specialized area or needs clearance from its bankruptcy unit. A revenue officer review, an appeal, or a requested reconsideration can add time too. If the IRS needs more information from you, it will contact you.
How to Check Your Amended Return Status
Use the IRS Where’s My Amended Return tool, starting 3 weeks after you submit. You can check returns for this tax year and the 3 prior years in either of these ways:
- Sign in to your IRS Individual Online Account
- Skip signing in and enter your Social Security number, date of birth, and ZIP code
Returns the Tool Can’t Track
The tool won’t show the status of these returns:
- Business returns
- Carryback applications and claims
- Injured spouse claims
- A Form 1040 marked as amended or corrected, instead of a Form 1040-X
How Your Filing Method Affects Your Refund
How you file Form 1040-X determines how your refund arrives.
- For tax years 2021 and later, you can request direct deposit on an e-filed 1040-X.
- A paper 1040-X gets you a paper check.
- You must paper file if the return is for tax year 2021 or before.
- You must also paper file if it’s for a prior tax year and you filed the original on paper earlier this year.
Deadlines and Payments to Keep in Mind
To claim a refund, you generally need to file within 3 years after filing your original return or 2 years after paying the tax, whichever is later. If your correction means you owe more, pay by the April due date to avoid penalties and interest. The IRS automatically adjusts interest and penalties.
Changing your federal return may also affect your state return, so contact your state tax agency. Don’t attach your state return to Form 1040-X.
Sources
- IRS, Where’s My Amended Return?
- IRS, File an Amended Return
- IRS, About Form 1040-X
