Key Takeaways
- The standard WMR/IRS2Go tools don't track amended returns - use the separate WMAR tool instead, which updates once daily.
- Official IRS guidance is 8 to 16 weeks to process a Form 1040-X, but the National Taxpayer Advocate found the actual FY2025 average was over 5 months.
- WMAR has three statuses - Received, Adjusted, Completed - and a 'Completed' status doesn't guarantee a refund is coming.
- You can e-file up to three accepted amended returns per year; additional ones will be rejected with no WMAR status shown.
- Transcript codes 971/977 mean your amended return is in process; code 960 means an agent has been assigned; code 846 means your refund has been issued.
- Only call the IRS about a delayed amended refund after 12 weeks; expect long hold times given current staffing levels.
- If WMAR shows 'Completed' but your refund check never arrives, it's usually an outdated mailing address - file Form 8822 and contact the IRS directly, since undeliverable checks aren't automatically reissued.
- If your amendment flips you from owing to getting a refund, the correction replaces your old balance rather than adding a separate refund on top of it - but your IRS Online Account balance can lag the amendment's real status by several weeks, so check your transcript if the numbers don't seem to match.
While the IRS aims to process regular season tax returns and refunds within 21 days for the vast majority of filers, amended returns take quite a bit longer.
The IRS’s own current guidance is to allow 8 to 16 weeks for a Form 1040-X to process. In practice, it’s often longer: the National Taxpayer Advocate’s 2026 reporting found the IRS took an average of more than 5 months to process the 3.7 million amended returns it handled in FY2025, and as of early May 2026 the IRS was still working through amended returns filed back in February.
So it’s not surprising many taxpayers wait months for their amended return to clear, given ongoing IRS backlogs, identity verification checks, and staffing constraints.
Here are some tips that can get you a more real-time read on your amended return status and help make the wait less frustrating.
How Can I Check My Amended Return Status (WMAR)?
The standard WMR or IRS2Go refund tools do not show your amended return status.
You need the IRS’s dedicated Where’s My Amended Return (WMAR) tool instead. It tracks Form 1040-X for the current year and up to three prior years.
There are 3 statuses in WMAR: Received, Adjusted, and Completed. Received confirms the IRS has your amended return loaded into its systems for processing — it doesn’t mean processing has actually started, since amended returns often require manual review and assignment to an examiner.
Adjusted means the IRS has completed its review and adjusted your return based on the amended information, which can result in an additional refund, a balance owed, or no change at all. You’ll get an IRS notice explaining the action taken.
Completed means the IRS has finished processing and sent any applicable notices or refunds. Importantly, as the next section covers, a completed status doesn’t automatically mean a refund is coming — additional taxpayer action could still be required.
When Does the WMAR Tool Update?
WMAR updates once a day, usually overnight, so checking multiple times a day won’t get you anything new. It typically starts showing information about 3 weeks after you submit your amended return, though this can vary. You’ll need your SSN, date of birth, and ZIP code to use it.
One limit worth knowing: you can only e-file up to three “accepted” amended returns per tax year. Any beyond that will get rejected and won’t show a status in WMAR.
Calling the IRS About Your Amended Return
If WMAR hasn’t updated in several weeks, you can call the IRS — but official guidance is to wait until 12 weeks have passed before following up on a delayed amended return refund.
The IRS’s dedicated amended-return line is 1-866-464-2050 (English and Spanish options available). Expect long waits — the IRS answered only about 21% of the roughly 48 million calls it received during the 2026 filing season, with average wait times around 14 minutes.
Using Your IRS Transcript for Amended Return Status
In addition to WMAR, your free IRS tax transcript can offer more detail on your amended return and refund.
Transcript codes 971 and 977 show that your amended return was received and is being processed. Many filers see these codes for months before anything changes — it can take a while to move to the next stage.
Watch for code 960 (appointed representative), which marks the date an IRS agent was assigned and began actively working your amended return — often a manual process. You may also see code 971 if a notice is issued, which may require you to provide additional information — instructions come with the notice or letter.
Once processing is complete, you’ll see code 846 (refund issued). Note the date — you should receive your payment within 2 to 5 days of it. If your refund was delayed past the standard 45-day window after the filing deadline, you’ll also see an interest amount credited; the IRS’s current overpayment interest rate for individuals is 7% for Q1 and Q3 2026 and 6% for Q2 2026, adjusted quarterly. This interest is taxable income and gets reported on a 1099-INT the following year.
Subscribe here and I’ll flag it if IRS amended-return processing times change materially.
Processing Complete, But No Refund Payment?
Even when WMAR shows Completed, some taxpayers don’t see the refund they expected. A completed status just means IRS processing has finished — the next step could be an additional tax assessment, a request for more information, or an adjusted (smaller or larger) refund rather than what you originally claimed.
Pay close attention to any notes or messages below the WMAR status bar, which give more insight into next steps. Check your transcript for details, and call the number listed in your notice if one was provided. Ultimately, you’ll need to wait for the IRS’s official notice to see what action was taken or what’s required from you.
How Long Will It Actually Take?
Given the NTA’s FY2025 average of over 5 months for amended returns — and the agency still working through February filings as of May 2026 — budget for a long wait if your amended return needs any manual review or additional verification. There isn’t much you can do to speed this up, including calling the IRS or the Taxpayer Advocate Service, beyond confirming nothing further is needed from you.
For general (non-amended) refund delays, see my full breakdown here.
IRS Amended Return Processing Schedule
Unlike regular refunds, which the IRS aims to process within 3 weeks, amended returns are prioritized behind regular returns and currently run 8 to 16 weeks by official guidance — longer in practice per the NTA’s most recent data. This has been compounded by IRS staffing cuts in recent years; the agency’s individual workforce was down roughly 27% heading into the 2026 filing season.
Amended return refunds can be paid via direct deposit rather than only mailed check, a change introduced a few years back — this option is available directly on Form 1040-X and should speed up and secure payment versus a mailed check.
Looking Ahead: 2027-2028
Watch for whether the IRS makes progress automating more of the 1040-X review process, a step the National Taxpayer Advocate has specifically recommended to cut down the backlog. I’ll update the processing-time figures here once the IRS or NTA publish new data for the 2027-2028 cycle.
Common Issues to Watch Out For
I hear from readers about the same handful of amended-return snags over and over. Here’s what’s usually going on and how to fix it.
WMAR shows “Completed” but the refund check never shows up. This is almost always an address problem. The IRS mails your amended-return refund to whatever address is on that specific 1040-X – not necessarily your current address, and not automatically your bank account even if your original return used direct deposit. If you’ve moved, file Form 8822 to update your address with the IRS, and don’t assume a reissue happens automatically: undeliverable checks get returned to the IRS and generally only get reissued after you contact them directly.
The refund that arrived is smaller than expected. Before assuming a math error, check whether the IRS applied some or all of it to an existing federal debt through the Treasury Offset Program – back taxes, defaulted student loans, or certain other government obligations. This usually comes with a separate notice explaining the adjustment, so check your mail (and your IRS transcript) before calling to dispute what looks like a shortfall.
WMAR says “no information available” even weeks after filing. Three common causes: a typo in the SSN/ZIP code combination you entered into the tool, a paper-filed amendment that simply hasn’t been logged yet (allow the full 3 weeks before WMAR shows anything), or amending a tax year outside WMAR’s tracking window – the tool only covers the current processing year plus the prior 3 years.
Filing a second 1040-X before the first one finishes. If you catch another mistake while an amendment is still processing, resist the urge to immediately file again – a second amendment on top of an unprocessed first one can reset or badly complicate WMAR’s tracking. Let the first one reach “Completed” status first whenever your situation allows it.
Confusing the federal WMAR tool with your state’s amended-return tracker. These are completely separate systems on independent timelines. If you also amended your state return, you’ll need to check your state’s own portal – the federal WMAR tool has no visibility into state processing at all.
Amending from owing money to getting a refund – does it cancel the debt, or do you get a separate check? This is a real point of confusion: if your 1040-X flips you from owing the IRS to being owed a refund, the amendment corrects your account rather than sitting alongside the old balance as a second, unrelated number. Once it fully posts, the corrected figure – including any resulting refund – is your one true balance, not two separate amounts you need to reconcile yourself. The catch is timing: the balance shown in your IRS Online Account can lag behind your amendment’s WMAR status by several weeks, so it’s common to still see the old balance displayed even after WMAR shows “Adjusted” or “Completed.” If your online account balance still looks wrong, check your tax transcript for the more current figure before assuming something’s gone wrong.
Hey yall, I have an update!! So after 74 weeks I finally seen a change on my transcripts! I finally seen a refund issued date for 8/11/23. The WMAR doesn’t show anything at all whatsoever. How long did it take for people to actually get their physical check in hand or Direct Deposit. Just wondering how long I should plan on waiting for that portion!
I think someone on here mention if the refund date is on a Friday, then it is by a check.
Could be 2-3 weeks, maybe even less
Thanks guys!!
The direct deposit posted prior to the date they had listed in the transcripts…weird.
Just remember this though..,the interest that they pay you?, yeah, it’s taxable interest. Smh….
Hey everyone!!! I finally have the check in hand!!! 20k with all of the interest it only took 1 1/2 years lol!!! Be patient and just wait it out.
20k$??? Be my sugar mama . Even though I’ve worked full time my entire life and 5 years into my current job
When you seen code 290 on your transcript how long after did you see a date for the refund
Hey Ashley when you seen the code 290 how long after did you see a refund date
Ok so here we are coming up on a year since I filled last May 4th. I reached out the the irs office 2 weeks ago today and told them the situation and asked if I needed to just go ahead and get a tax advocate to assist me. They transferred me to the office that handles the Amended returns and the lady on the line put me on hold 4 separate times bc she was taking time and researching all my materials. Then she tells me it was processed but someone didn’t do it right so she put me on hold again and fixed the issue. She said I should see my return in 4-6week. My transcript has not changed. The WMAR app has said completed since Dec. So no change on that either. I will update this as soon as I see something or receive something.
WOW!! I was just told its in an examination Dept. I made a year on 3/6/23. I am beyond irritated.
Ashley I am so sorry to hear about your situation. So you do have an adovocate?! And they won’t get back to you? Well that’s horrible. What state are you in? Have you asked to talk to the department that handles amended returns? Call them and tell them it’s been over a year, you have an advocate that hasn’t done their due diligence and represent you and that you want to speak to someone in that department to make sure yours wasn’t Fked up like mine was. That could be the problem. Did they ever ask you for more information? did you provide that information? If I would not have called and told them my whole story and what I was dealing with and how long I was waiting I would still be waiting to hear absolutely Nothing. Call as early as you can. I do wish you the best of luck. After speaking to the woman now 3 weeks later my transcripts have changed to reflect the amendment and I should be receiving my check within a week. It has been such a long story with the government. I hope that you see some kind of resolution soon.
I have submitted the 911 form multiple times and I have called and left Vms and NO ONE has contacted me. I called the IRS and all they said is that its in a examination Dept. They requested correspondence with the dept. They said give them up to 30 days to contact me. If I havent heard anything in 30 days then I should call back so they can take it “one step further” whatever that shit means!. I just feel so lost at this point… the ppl that are supposed to help me arent even reaching out to me. I feel like they are just as bad as the IRS.
What number are you calling I could never get to a live operator
@Kimberly
I always use this sites step by step method from Tax Slayer every time!
Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 between 7 AM to 7 PM local time (Mon to Fri)
Press 1 for English (or 2 for Spanish)
Press 2 (personal income)
Press 1 and then 3 (all other questions)
Press 2
Make NO ENTRY when queried for the SSN.
Press 2 for personal or individual tax questions.
Press 3 for all other questions.
Hi Ashley , hope all of your issues were corrected with the IRS . I wanted to ask you since you seem to be well informed on the process, if you know how long , if there’s an issue in your 1040x , will it take them to contact you ? Because I sent my 1040X in in February 2023 . I’ve gotten only one update saying that my return has not been processed and for me to contact them . I did just that and they told me absolutely nothing. Also, I truly hope you were able to get your referral without further delay. Any info you can share is definitely appreciated. I didn’t know it was our job to research all this plus work, pay our taxes faithfully, and get absolutely no answers.
Hey Tammy, they usually tell you to contact them once you have hit like 16-week mark. They literally just tell you to contact them so they can tell you they have done absolutely nothing. For some reason, the system will tell you to reach out to them after a certain amount of time and supposedly there is nothing the IRS can do nothing to fix it. I submitted my 1040x (error free) on 3/2/2022 it’s been well over a year and they haven’t touched it. Every time I call they say call back in 30 days. I have attempted to contact TPA and they won’t even contact me back, the location in my state says it’s closed so there is no physical address for me to go to, to speak with anyone. I don’t understand the method to their madness lol. I know some people that filed after me and have received their refund. I am owed almost 20k from the IRS so I am sure they are going to take forever to rectify it. All I can suggest is be prepared to wait and try calling back once a month. Keep documentation on how often you call and the updates you get. I would look into getting a TPA around OCT-NOV if you haven’t heard anything. I hear TPA’s are great and they really help move things along. Unfortunately, my state is going through something with our TPA and I can’t get in touch with anyone. Do you know how to check your transcripts ?? You usually will see activity there before anywhere else!
Hey there,
Is anyone still waiting on their 1040X return? I have yet to receive any updates I am on week 60 right now. No luck with TPA they won’t answer or return my calls at this point I am at a loss I guess. If anyone is waiting or has updates please share. Looks like most people have stopped responding on this page…Makes me feel like I am the last one to receive any news.
Things sped up once the IRS agents were required to return to the office.
I understand TPA has some offices in some locations. Maybe you should consider going to one of their locations.
Maybe even contact a Tax Assistance Office were they give you legal help.
The office in my state says it’s permanently closed. But on the TPA website, it still provides their information. I called and left a few VMs. I tried calling the IRS this morning and was just told that it went to a review department and that’s the last thing they can see. They put in a request for a correspondence but that could take up to 30 days for them to respond.
Any updates PPL??
Is anyone alive out there? I recently requested a TPA. I completed the form and faxed it in at the beginning of February. I have yet to hear anything from anyone. When I call it’s just busy. Any suggestions?
I requested a TPA last week and I am waiting to hear back from them. I decided to reach out to the IRS one last time before I hopefully start working with the TPA. I havent been unable to check my status for over a month. I just keep getting the generic message one gets when first filing their 1040x. ” Your information is not available and to wait 6 weeks for your return to show up in the system” I called this morning and was told that my return is in another department. A verification department? The rep said that sometimes depending on the refund status its sent to another department for further verification. However, it will probably stay there until April or May because they aren’t working on them currently. Only focused on individuals that knew how to file their return properly and knew what they were doing. Long to the short, he got cussed out! Anywhooooooo hope you enjoyed the post … I provided so much new information right! :D
Hey there! Does anyone have a Tax Payer Advocate? If so has it helped at all? I am wondering if maybe I should reach out to one now. Just not really sure if they are able to really help in this situation. THoughts? Advice?
I used an advocate. He was great and kept me updated. If it wasn’t for him they would have denied my ammended return. You have to fill out a form and mail it in and it can take a month or longer for them to get back to you. I called a number as well to be put on a waiting list.
I filled out my application and faxed it in… It said that would get to them quicker. Do you recommend mailing it also?
I faxed mine and got a reply in about 3 weeks. I received a letter.
Hey Charli, after that how long did it take?
After we were in contact with one another it was around another 2 months before I got my return, but I would not have gotten it without him.
See this article on Tax Advocate Information. They can be helpful if you have exhausted all other channels.
So back in November right after Thanksgiving I got a code 570 on my transcript (additional account action needed) and got a notice to send in information they needed. I did that the next business day. Today I received a new notice that said they are working on my account. That it will be an additional 60 days for them to send me a complete reponse on what action they are taking on my account but that no more information was needed. I am assuming that finally i am now back in their to do pile and something will be done within 60 days. File date May 4th, received date May 4th. Complete status on WMAR on Dec. 16, 2022. (Means nothing) Transcript is still with no one assigned to it code. Anyone else deal with anything similar? I’ve come to conclusion that I’ll get this presents years return way before the amaendment return lol. I’ve come into acceptance. It will get here when it gets here and that’s OK.
My amendment was completed on Nov 4 2022 , it’s Jan 14 and I still not have received my refund even though I got a letter saying it resulted in a refund. Should I call or just be patient since they are behind ?
I would call since its been a while. I assume you have checked your transcript.
Yes, calling is a good idea. My Return was adjusted December 9 with “you will receive” a notice within three weeks. I have gotten nothing. Then on December 30, I got a “Completed” in WMAR, and still as of today, there is nothing in the transcripts.
I some some on Reddit saying they called in to inquire about their refund also. It turned out after it was labeled completed, work stopped on it and as a result, the refund was not issued.
I also turned in two other ARs and got notices within 10 days, and it was noted in the transcript. Nothing has appeared in my transcript since December 9 with “Additional Tax Assessed $0.00”
I will be calling tomorrow, myself
Honey some of us have waited more than 10 months. I filled May 4th and still have not been processed. Be patient. You’ll wait a while…
Yea I figured, it has been completed and it’s on my transcript showing they refunded. But I didn’t want to waste my time calling . Guess I’m in it for the long haul
Yea Im still waiting its been 46 weeks! My status recently disappeared as if I dont have an amended return on file… telling me to check back after 3weeks until its in their system….I just recently said F**K IT! and stopped checking. I willl check again late next month but not feeling hopeful. Especially since you all have “Completed” and are still waiting to hear anything or get a check …. UGH!
Me too in May and still no word!
I filed a amended return on my 2021. On April 7th. Here it is a year later. And absolutely nothing.. I call they tell me give them 30 days every time.
Any new updates? You have seen a refund with amount on your transcript? You should have your check by now right? When did you originally file the 1040-x?
On My 1040X which was accepted on March 28 by the Austin office, oddly, was sent to Kansas City for completion, and done by December 30.
However I was denied the credits because they said I did not quality for the credits due to a missed date. I have to file an appeal on that because I missed the date because government offices were closed. Not my fault.
Looks like an additional 10 months of BS!
What was the date issue? Makes me nervous my deadline was April 9th 2022 to file the 1040x. It was sent by certified mail once it was in the IRS system the WMAR tool showed a 3/6/22 date as a return filed ( this was not on my transcripts BTW just the tool) then later it changes to 4/25/22 on the tool and now on my transcripts which is after the 3-year mark to get your refund if any.
The date issue was on my 2020 return. I was trying to get a social security number my child in order to get those two Stimulus Payments. Due to government office closures, did not get until January 2022. So I filed to get the Recovery Rebate Credit which they declined.
So that is my “missed” date so I have to file an appeal since it was not my fault government offices were closed. I tried also contacting a Representative office on the issue and seemed to be disinterested in doing anything. Going to try another Rep. office next week.