Can I Amend My Tax Return to Get Missing IRS Tax Credits and Payments? Amending Your Tax Return via Form 1040X Online – Rules and Deadlines

With stimulus check and other tax credits like the advance CTC payments now only being paid via tax return filings, based on past year tax returns and adjusted gross income levels, many eligible recipients have scrambled to amend tax returns to get these payments as a refund payment.

The good news is you can modify or amend your tax return relatively easily now via paper (1040X form), online for recent tax years via your preferred tax filing software or for free via the IRS website for lower income filers.

This also includes correcting information from missing or incorrect W2s or 1099 that may impact your income and qualification for tax credits or past stimulus checks.

However as many folks have found, after submitting a regular or amended tax return they find themselves stuck facing long delays in getting their refund payment. For those with paper based amended returns, processing times are being measured in months, and not weeks.

This is due to IRS staffing shortages, the sheer volume of returns and issues with the amount being claimed or just simple errors in reconciling what was paid in advance versus the balance left to be paid via refund.

Why Should I Amend My Tax Return?

Tax filers generally should not file an amended return for minor mistakes or prior to IRS processing of their initial submission. In fact as discussed in the sections below, you need to know the right situations in which an amended return makes sense, because it is taking the IRS up to 20 weeks to process amended returns.

Tax payers are sometimes instructed by the IRS to file amended returns if after initial processing and reviews, they have identified mistakes. For example if the WMR messages that your return processing has been delayed or code 570/971 on your tax transcript, tax filers often instructed by the IRS to file an amended return to fix filing errors.

Another reason you may want to amend your tax return is that down the road, after your initial return was processed, you notice that you forgot to claim one of the many stimulus credits or qualified deductions.

You may think that this money is gone now that your return has been submitted but you would be wrong; since you can actually send an amended tax return and claim this extra cash.

The IRS will process – free of charge – your amended return and then pay you back what you are due. On the flip side if you owe more than you paid with your original filing, then you should still file an amended return with the extra tax payments.

Most likely you will also have to pay a fine or penalty as well – which will be lower the sooner you pay the extra taxes. Also it is better to fess up an pay early rather than face an IRS audit which will pick up these overdue tax payments

Amended Tax Return Refund Schedule Cycle

While the IRS promises to have regular return refunds processed within 21 days for nine out of ten tax payers, it does take quite a bit longer to receive a refund if you amended your tax return.

Generally you will have to wait up to 20 weeks for the IRS to process amended returns since they prioritize regular returns.

Also note that the standard”Where’s my refund” service from the IRS does not track amended tax return status’.

You need to use the IRS tool, “Where’s My Amended Return” instead. Only call the IRS to follow up on delayed amended return refunds after 12 weeks. The number to call is 1-800-829-1040

Here are other key factors to keep in mind with amended federal tax return filings:

  • What you can and cannot file an amended return for You should file an amended return if you discover any of the following items were reported incorrectly: filing status, dependents, total income, deductions or credits. You usually do not need to file an amended return because you forgot to include tax forms such as W-2s or schedules. The IRS normally will send a separate request asking for those documents.
  • Once you have submitted your federal income tax return, you can no longer change that return. (One exception: If your e-filed tax return is rejected, you can make changes before sending it in again) If you want to make changes after the original tax return has been filed, you must file an amended tax return using a special form called the 1040X – Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, entering the changes and explaining why you need to amend your original tax return. You don’t have to redo your entire return, either. Just show the necessary changes and adjust your tax liability accordingly
  • Deadlines to File the Amended return. You generally must file an amended return within three years of the date you filed the original return or within two years after the date you paid the tax, whichever is later. Be sure to enter the year of the return you are amending at the top of Form 1040X

  • You can use e-file preparation software to amend your return. In fact, TurboTax walks you step-by-step through amending your federal income tax return.

  • If you are amending more than one tax return, prepare a 1040X for each return and mail them in separate envelopes to the IRS office for the area in which you live. The 1040X instructions list the addresses for the campuses. If the changes involve another schedule or form, you must attach it to the 1040X

  • If you owe additional taxes for a past tax year, you should still file. Form 1040X and pay the tax as soon as possible to limit interest and penalty charges. Interest is charged on any tax not paid by the due date of the original return, without regard to extensions.

Amending your state tax return

First, fill out an amended federal income tax return, Form 1040X. Then, get the proper amended tax return from your state tax or revenue agency and fill it out.

Like the IRS, your state uses a special form and process for an amended return.

Many states also use the “X” suffix for the form number. For example, California uses Form 540X and Hawaii uses Form N-188X. Don’t forget to attach a copy of your amended federal return (Form 1040X) to your amended state return.

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69 thoughts on “Can I Amend My Tax Return to Get Missing IRS Tax Credits and Payments? Amending Your Tax Return via Form 1040X Online – Rules and Deadlines”

  1. Call 1800-829-0582 ext. 623 to speak to an IRS agent regarding your amended tax return. I just spoke with one I had to wait the whole 16 weeks before I was notified to call this number to speak about my amended return.

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  2. My tax prep guy of 17 years “accidentaly” messed my taxes up this year (happens to be best friends with my old landlord who kicked me out) so kinda weirs after so many years that he messed up my taxes…anyway…once I complained, he did the paperwork to file an amended return. This was received on 3/17/2020. On 8/14/20 it finally says “processed”. Still does not show completed but my question is, underneath where “completed” , it shows N/A. Why does it say not applicable? Does that mean no refund or does it just shoe that until it is completed? Anyone know?

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  3. I filed my amended tax return and it was approved and I got my refund money my account, then about a month later I got a bill for the amount of my return. This don’t seem right to me. I feel like of they approved it then I shouldn’t have to turn around and pay it back.

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  4. Why are some of these comments recent, but the amendment dates are two years old? We filed ours weeks ago, and it was received June 25, and adjusted August 2. They say they’ll send a letter explaining adjustment within three weeks. What is that supposed to mean? A letter explaining it? What about the actual payment? Sounds like a lot of run around from our good old government.

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    • I file my amended return January 2020 I have not seen it in the system they said 3 weeks it been 3 months I paid the money I owe them they said they will send my return I keep calling no answer this is crazy I am in the system will I get my stimlous check I hope so

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  5. I’ve been waiting for my amended refund. It was mailed on February 5 2019. Can get no information about it on their web site or phone number. Some where along the line the government for got they work for us we don’t work for them! Some how the Americans need to get together and remind the government employee’s. Its the only way to make a difference.

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    • If you originally filed them then amended them and had to paper mail them if you used a tax prep call them they are now allowed to efile amended returns I filed my amended return in July and just went to H&R block to get emerald card and found out that they could efile the amended return currently the irs still hasn’t filed them and now I will receive my refund.

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  6. I filed 2017 in Feb -17forgot a 3000.00 W2 . They made me prove my identity. After that it was 2018 filing time . Did that all good. Student loans got paid by it. The student loan was never notified about 2017 money so they didn’t place a hold government in nt shut down. So I call and for 4 months different agents told me different LIES about WHERE THE HELL IS MY REFUND . Finally a week ago they told me I efil ed d my amended return and need to mail it .Really no one for a ye as r could tell me that’s what they wanted? So now I sent it registered mail and supposedly I will get it in 3 months 2.5 yrs later I asked them if they were gonna pay interest?The agent of course laughed and said possibly More BS surely . Wonder how else u can deal with this kind of runaround they do what they want when they want and dont care if we struggle everyday while they draw their big fat checks for screwing us little people over. I WANT MY REFUND

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  7. Its been 13 weeks since I mailed my admended taxes and I haven’t received my taxes. I receive my state but not my federal

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    • If someone like H&R Block prepared your amended return they are now allowed to efile the amended return as well the irs has approved this because of the heavy mail they are trying to go through it’s Saturday 11/21/2020 and waited 4 months for the irs to even file them spoke to a irs agent on Thursday they still weren’t filed so now they are exiled and will get return in two weeks! Good luck hope that helps you as well

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  8. My name is Jacqueline I filed my federal taxes they said that I owed someone that,I don’t know and they took all of my taxes. I don’t understand someone needs to help me please. It’s not fair. Help me please

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  9. The IRS received my amendment 4/2/18 said it was completed 10/12/28 still waiting, and it was before the shutdown but they want they pay what about all these folks. Waiting for them just to do they job and process these taxes amendment to

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  10. I just mailed my amended return out yesterday, and after looking at all of these comments I have decided that I’m not going to even worry about it! I certainly am not going to COUNT on it! Yes, it does say 16 weeks, but when some people get them in 6 weeks, or 8, or even less, it gives others “hope” that they will be one of the lucky ones. So maybe the IRS should stop “dicking” everyone around and make it so EVERYONE gets there refund at 16 weeks if amended!!
    They owe me over 900$, they can keep it before I get this stressed out about it, as some of these people have on this thread. Holy cow!!!

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    • w ell my amended tax refund has been completed since May 4th 2018 and still has not been sent out to be and they received it 3-13-18 and I go and call the number that is on irs gov site to check and the lady tells me there is showing no delays with it so I was to call and speak with another person which I waited already a hour and then wanted me to wait again for longer I hung up cause it is like they except you to wait but they do not wait. So i thinking it takes 16 wks from the day of completion

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    • They owe my husband double of his original amount. He never even received the original refund. He was supposed to get a little over $4,000 and after it was amended online to show how much he gets now they owe him almost $9,000! We have been stressed about this refund for MONTHS. 16 weeks will be up on Thanksgiving day but who knows when it will come.

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  11. I mailed my amendment on February 20, they received it February 28th, it was adjusted on April 6th . I call the IRS because I was confused. The operator said that a check was being mailed out today. But when I checked the website it doesn’t say that it has been completed. What should I believe.

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  12. I read through all the comments. I filed an amended 2017 return and it is showing it was received on March 09,2018. I know online info says to allow up to 16 weeks and someone reads getting theirs within 21 days.
    Can some of you update your comments please so we know if anyone ever received their money from amendments. I ‘m curious where the process is all at and if so many people were waiting on money back if they didn’t received it, where it is.

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    • I talked with the IRS this morning. They received my amended return April 30, 2018 and it was just processed on August 9, 2018. They said it could take up to an additional three weeks before a check is mailed ed. They told me to expect my refund in 2 – 4 weeks.

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    • Filed several amended returns for tax years 2016-2019 in February of 2020. Just yesterday received check for tax year 2016. The website updated for 2016, but the other three years have not been processed yet. So yea, mine took 36 weeks for the check to arrive. Hang in there, it will come.

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  13. i submitted my amendment return on November 16, 2017, Jan 26th it is showing completed. But till date i have not received any paper or check. Can anyone help me after completed, how much time it takes to get my refund checkm?

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  14. I filed Amends for 2014 & 2015 In 2/2017, check the website often nothing was processed. Just received a CHECK 2/2018. Checked Where is my Amended website said it was processed on 5/17.

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  15. my amended return was filed 7 months ago in april i finally decided to check the status on it today its says completed on 10/20 still no letter or anything been on the phone all morning since 7 am just getting the run around not sure whats going on looking for other people with the same problem and solution

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  16. I have decided to stop worrying about getting any money back for 2017. Doesn’t look like it’s ever gonna happen and I’m so sick of thinking it is. My amended return was received 6/22/17 and still being processed. I’m not driving myself nuts anymore worrying or trying to deal with the ***holes at the IRS. F*** it!

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  17. I sent in my amended return May 18,2017…After waiting 16 long weeks,on the where’s my amended return tool,It stated to take action and gave me a # to call,the lady said my return was adjusted today (Sept 8th) and still have to wait additional 3-4 weeks before I receive a refund…I did this before and it took 10-12 weeks to receive my refund…In 2015…(some process sooner,and some might not) my car needs to be fix,I’m tired of riding the bus (lol)

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    • I haven’t heard a thing I had a tax preparer to amend my taxes, don’t know if she did it or not because it’s still telling nothing have been received. It was done on 04/18/17. Can I get a telephone to a person instead of a pre-recorded message.

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      • Chose language then chose the following options 2- 1-3-2-Dont enter SS# then option 2 -4 This should get someone on the phone if you call close to 7 am and 7pm

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  18. Mine was received 5/22/17. Next week is my 16th week. I still only have one bar that says it was received. No movement and no nothing. I’m going to start calling next week.

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  19. II filed my amended return on 5/21/17. I have been calling just about every week. They finally received it on June 9, 2017. I called and now there saying it has been adjusted with no date. The “wheres my amended taxes” does not say anything…… I just want whats mine! This process is the WORST…….. Have anyone had any relief on getting there money?

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    • Call (855) 868-0151 Dept of Treasury to see if a check is being processed. Tell them the IRS says your check was sent on the (completed) date. Try that! For example: I call them whenever I am expecting a check from veterans affair, etc…..they have access to the entire federal payment system, including child support payments, IRS lost checked, etc….
      Hope this helps

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  20. Been 18 weeks so far and still nothing. It was completed in July and every time I call they say just give it 3 more weeks!

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  21. I called to confirm mines. They’re backed up? They’re on March 28, 2017 and this was july 28.
    So if mines was received in April and entered in june and they’re only on March, so i guess sometime next year.

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  22. I sent my amended return in April 14th, 2017, they recieved 4/17/17, adjusted on 6/30/17, says completed 7/21/17. Still haven’t recieved a letter or refund check. Anyone know how much longer???

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  23. Sent mine in March they received It March 27th. Nothing til yesterday when it said take action your return was received but never processed. Was told I had to resent it and start it all over. Another year has been processed since March 17 and they still are sitting on my money.

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  24. I filed my e-return on Jan 29 , I was supposed to get the return via direct deposit Feb 27. My bank rejected the check because we didn’t have my SOs name on my account ( he’s head of household) they received it march 13 , we just got a letter stating us in a refund and it will be sent to us in 4-6 weeks on June 22. Tomorrow is 4 weeks and still nothing. How has it taken this long? Should we be getting the check soon?? Help!

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  25. I went to the wheres my amended return. It know states it was adjusted on 6/9/2017. When will I except to receive my taxes i elected to have direct deposit. Will it be a paper check? and how much longer must i wait to get my funds. The IRS told me over the phone what changes were adjusted and what my new amount is to be disbursed but when?

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  26. Hi my amended ta return showed it was received on March 8, 2017 and when I call the number it states that it has nothing on my account. But when I go to check the Where Is My Refund it shows that it is still processing. Is their anyway to really check and see what is going on?

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  27. My amendment was recieve on March 2 so when will I recieve my check. This is my first year mailing off my tax

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    • Mine was received on March 8 and I still haven’t heard anything. It just shows it is still processing, but it doesn’t show in my account for the amended tax return. Is it always like this?

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      • Mine was received on March 8th as well I called them today and they said a check was mailed off today so we will see

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    • call them and hit the prompt about taxpayers having to pay back money to get a live rep. If not these IRS people keep giving you an automated response i hate it.

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  28. Do you have a schedule for amended taxes based on past experience? The IRS received my amended return on 8/9/16.

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    • Mine shows received 7/30/2016 and nothing…..so much for tje IRS expesiting the amended returns of those in declared disaster areas.

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      • Update * Mine was adjusted July 21, but doesn’t indicate completed as yet, I will continue to give updates.

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        • Mine was adjusted on July 21 2017 also and I was told a check was mailed out on july 20 2017,So let’s see what happens.

  29. Hey comments – I am thankful for the information – Does someone know where my company could find a fillable IN CFA-4 document to use ?

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  30. I have a question concerning early withdrawal of retirement funds. My wife had filed for disability in early 2009 and in June of the same year we had to withdraw money in her name from the retirement fund in order to survive. This year we filed our tax return and paid the 10% penalty for the money withdrawn. In May of 2010 she was approved for 100% disability by a federal judge which dates back to 2008.

    My question is this: Can we file an amended return and send the order for disability to the IRS and recoup the 10% penalty we paid?

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    • I cannot see why not. However you should contact the IRS or check with a local accountant to make sure you file the appropriate paperwork.

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