Photo by Kate Sumbler on Flickr.com
What do you do when you file an amended tax return but you haven’t heard back from the IRS? Well now you have access to an online tracking tool to let you know what’s happening. It’s called “Where’s My Amended Return?” Okay, so the IRS isn’t so great at catchy names, but that’s probably what you’d type into Google if you were researching it right?
And the best part is, it’s not that difficult to use. Here’s a link to get you there: http://www.irs.gov/Filing/Individuals/Amended-Returns-(Form-1040-X)/Wheres-My-Amended-Return-1
If you don’t want to do this on the internet, you can always call them. The number to follow up on an amended return is: 866-464-2050. That is a toll-free number, I recommend not calling when you can click the link and get the information much faster. Save calling the IRS for those times when you absolutely need to.
In order to access the amended return information (whether you call or use the internet) you’re going to need to provide the following information: social security number (if you’re married filing jointly you’ll need the social of the primary taxpayer–the primary is the person whose name is on the top, not necessarily the one who makes the most money. You’ll also need your of birth (or the primary’s) and your zip code.
The “Where’s My Amended Return?” website will only access information on 1040Xs for the current three eligible years. If you amended old tax returns or you have Net Operating Loss Carry-backs–this website won’t have any information for you, you’ll have to call the IRS directly for that information.
While this new web tool is good for most returns, there are a few other things you won’t be able to get information on: injured spouse claims, returns with foreign addresses, and business returns are not available here. Also, if your amended return was re-routed because of some special circumstance; such as you amended your return because of a CP2000 notice (that’s one of those IRS nasty little ‘whoopsie we think you made a mistake’ letters.)
Even though there are many types of returns that aren’t listed in the “Where’s My Amended Return” website, it’s the best place to start. Any time you can get an answer from the IRS without having to actually call and wait on hold it’s a good thing.
Generally, you’ll have to wait at least three weeks before you can access information from the “Where’s My Amended Return?” website. Most amended returns take 12 weeks to process and some can take even longer. If you’re looking for a refund, think in terms of waiting at least three months before you’ll see the money.
Of course, if you owe, you should pay right away, because the debt will back date to the date the original return was due and the IRS will start charging you penalties and interest from that point in time. For what it’s worth, they do pay you interest if you have a refund coming.
Amended returns are not the fastest thing happening at the IRS, but at least now you have a tool for tracking them.