Before we discuss the details of an amended tax return status, let’s define an amended tax return. An amended tax return is a tax return that you file to make corrections to a tax return you previously filed. For example, you want to correct the filing status you previously reported. Or maybe you forgot to report some income.

“However,” says the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), “you don’t have to amend a return because of math errors you made; the IRS will correct those.” Also, there’s no need to file an amended return if you forgot to include forms, such as W-2s. If the IRS needs them, it will reach out and request them from you.

Keep in mind that if your amended tax return results in a credit or a refund, you should file it as soon as possible. The IRS will not issue the credit or refund it owes you if you don’t file the amended return in a timely manner.

“Generally, for a credit or refund,” says the IRS, “you must file Form 1040-X within three years after the date you timely filed your original return or within two years after the date you paid the tax, whichever is later.”

Exceptions

The Tax Advocate Service (TAS) points out that there are some exceptions to this rule:

• Financial disability
• Federally declared disasters
• Combat zones
• Bad debts
• Worthless securities
• Foreign tax credit or deduction
• Loss or credit carryback, and
• Disaster-related grants

To file an amended return, complete IRS Form 1040-X. Be mindful of the tax laws for the year that you’re amending. Tax law often changes from year to year. The law of the year you’re amending applies even if you’re amending your return in a later year.

Most amended returns are eligible for electronic filing, but there are some exceptions. For example, if you filed the year you’re amending on paper, you need to file the amended return on paper. Speak to a tax professional if you have any questions.

Evaluate your tax situation

By evaluating your tax situation, you can identify areas where you may be able to reduce your tax burden and make informed decisions about your financial future.

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How to Get Your Amended Tax Return Status

If you’re expecting a refund because of an amended return, you’ll want to know how to check your amended tax return status. To check the status of your amended tax return online, you can use the IRS’s “Where’s My Amended?” tool, which is available on the IRS website.

To use this tool, you will need to provide your social security number, your tax year, and the type of return you filed (e.g., Form 1040). The tool will tell you the status of your amended tax return and provide you with any additional information you may need.

According to the IRS, “you must wait three weeks after filing the form before using Where’s My Amended Return? tool.” If it has been longer than 16 weeks since you filed the amended return, call the IRS directly or send a written inquiry by mail.

When you contact the IRS, be sure to have your social security number and other identifying information handy, as the IRS may ask for this information to locate your tax return.

Although the IRS approves of you waiting 16 weeks before calling for your amended tax return status, it’s our recommendation to wait at least 21 weeks. “The current processing time is more than 20 weeks for both paper and electronically filed amended returns,” says the IRS during the last week of 2022.

Furthermore, there may be factors on your amended return that is slowing down its process. To ensure that your return goes through the process as smoothly as possible, verify that you’ve done the following before filing:

• Corrected all errors
• Completed every box in every section of Form 1040-X, if applicable
• You’ve signed it
• Included all the relevant forms, including Form 1040 from the previous filing

Get Help from a Tax Professional

While most people would rather do anything more than bookkeeping or filing taxes, that’s what the tax professionals at Advanced Tax Team live for. Each of our tax professionals have been in the business for many years.

We can certainly guide you in the right direction for an amended tax return status. We have our fingers on the pulse of the IRS.

Choosing a Tax Professional

The TAS points out what to look for in a savvy and reputable tax professional.

1. Consider the tax professional’s qualifications.
   • We have a variety of experienced tax professionals, including Enrolled Agents, accountants, bookkeepers, and tax preparers. We have a tax attorney on staff, as well.

2. Check the tax professional’s history.
   • We are an accredited business with the Better Business Bureau. We enjoy an A rating with no complaints.

3. Ask about fees.
   • Advanced Tax Team will never charge you for services based on your potential refund. We also charge a flat rate, so there are no hidden or surprise fees.
   • Furthermore, we list everything that we’ll do for you in a contract or engagement letter that both parties sign. Communication is valuable at Advanced Tax Team.

4. Find out about the services they offer?
   • We pride ourselves on our customer service. We’re open year-round for our clients. You can call us any time of the year and we’ll happily pick up the phone to answer your questions. We offer electronic filing for our clients, as well.

5. Protect yourself.
   • We do work that we’re proud of. We like to think our clients are lifelong and we work hard to keep it that way. For that reason, we sign every tax return we do, including our professional credential identification.

We also provide you with a full copy for your records. We will never ask you to sign a blank IRS form. Nor will we ever suggest that your refund goes into any bank account other than your own.

Free Consultation for Amended Tax Return Status Needs

Maybe you need help with an amended tax return status. We understand that some people have had to do this before. We also understand that tax laws change all the time and questions do arise. We’re here for you.

Give us a call today. 877.959.0975 We offer a free consultation with no obligation to hire our firm. We’ll discuss the issue you’re experiencing and answer your questions. At the end of the call, you’ll have a clearer idea of what your best option is. You have nothing to lose. Give us a call today.

Resources

1. 8, Author on December, and Professionally reviewed by David J. Allen. “Tax Attorney.” Tax Relief Professional, 8 Dec. 2022, https://taxreliefprofessional.com/tax-attorney.
2. 8, Author on December, and Professionally reviewed by Mark Badkar. “Enrolled Agent.” Tax Relief Professional, 8 Dec. 2022, https://taxreliefprofessional.com/enrolled-agent.
3. 8, Author on December, and Professionally reviewed by Mark Badkar. “Negotiating with the IRS.” Tax Relief Professional, 8 Dec. 2022, https://taxreliefprofessional.com/negotiating-with-the-irs.
4. “Amended Return Frequently Asked Questions: Internal Revenue Service.” Amended Return Frequently Asked Questions | Internal Revenue Service, https://www.irs.gov/filing/amended-return-frequently-asked-questions.
5. “Amended Returns & Form 1040X.” Internal Revenue Service, https://www.irs.gov/faqs/irs-procedures/amended-returns-form-1040x/amended-returns-form-1040x.
6. “Amending a Tax Return.” Taxpayer Advocate Service, 1 Dec. 2022, https://www.taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov/get-help/issues-errors/amending-a-tax-return/.
7. “Choosing a Tax Return Preparer.” Taxpayer Advocate Service, 1 Dec. 2022, https://www.taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov/get-help/filing-returns/choosing-a-tax-return-preparer/.
8. “If You Must Amend Your Return.” Internal Revenue Service, https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/if-you-must-amend-your-return#:~:text=You%20should%20amend%20your%20return,the%20IRS%20will%20correct%20those.
9. “Telephone Assistance: Internal Revenue Service.” Telephone Assistance | Internal Revenue Service, https://www.irs.gov/help/telephone-assistance.