What Is Form 1040-X?
Form 1040-X (Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return) lets you correct a federal return you already submitted, according to the IRS. You can e-file it with tax software. Find the form and instructions on the About Form 1040-X page.
How you file affects how you get any refund. For tax years 2021 and later, the IRS says you can request direct deposit on an e-filed 1040-X, while a paper 1040-X refund comes as a paper check.
Changing your federal return may also affect your state taxes, so the IRS suggests you contact your state tax agency.
How to Use the IRS ‘Where’s My Amended Return?’ Tool
After filing, you can track your Form 1040-X using the tool. Per the IRS amended return status page, status checks are available for the current tax year as well as up to three prior years. For information on older tax years, review how far back you can file taxes.
Two Ways to Check Online
| Option | What you need | What you can see |
|---|---|---|
| IRS Individual Online Account | Your account sign-in | Amended return status, refund status and tax records |
| Check without signing in | Social Security number, date of birth and ZIP code | Amended return status |
Checking by Phone
You can also call the IRS toll-free at 866-464-2050. According to the IRS amended return FAQ, phone status is available on the same timeline: 3 weeks after you file.
How Long Amended Return Processing Takes
Plan on 8 to 12 weeks for the IRS to process your amended return, and up to 16 weeks in some cases. It can take longer than 12 weeks for reasons the IRS lists, tied to your return or to how the IRS handles it.
Problems With the Return
- The return has errors or incomplete information.
- The return is missing a signature.
- The return includes Form 8379 (Injured Spouse Allocation).
- The return is affected by suspected identity theft or fraud.
Extra IRS Review
- The IRS must route it to a specialized area.
- The IRS needs clearance from its bankruptcy unit.
- A revenue officer must review and approve it.
- The IRS must review an appeal or reconsideration request.
If the IRS needs more information, they will contact you. If your return stays stuck well past these timelines, the Taxpayer Advocate Service may be able to help.
Amended Returns the Tool Can’t Track
Some filings won’t show up in the amended return tool at all. The IRS says you can’t check the status of these:
- Business returns
- Carryback applications and claims
- Injured spouse claims
- A Form 1040 marked as amended or corrected instead of a Form 1040-X
- Returns processed by Examination, Bankruptcy or other special units
If you want to see what the IRS has on record for a tax year, learn what a tax transcript is and how to get an IRS tax transcript.
