Key Takeaways
- WMR doesn't track amended returns; use the WMAR tool or the IRS app instead.
- Official IRS guidance is 8 to 16 weeks for Form 1040-X; the FY2025 average topped 5 months.
- WMAR has three statuses, and 'Completed' doesn't guarantee a refund is coming.
- Only call the IRS about a delayed amended refund after 12 weeks have passed.
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 refund tool does not show your amended return status.
Use 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.
The IRS app (formerly IRS2Go) also checks amended return status, with or without signing in.
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.
Get IRS amended return updates by email
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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.
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.
I am so upset right now, Please let me know if you have gone through this as well. I filed the amended return and they received it on 3/7/22. I have been checking transcripts and WMAR tool and there is NOTHING. I just spoke with IRS after waiting for 2 hours!!… They tell me that they didn’t have an amended return. I’m like whattttttt????! Then she says, “oh yes I can see it here, It looks like someone started working on it on 9/6/22.” So I ask, “When should I check back for an update?”….She proceeds to tell me it takes 20 weeks to process… B*%ch It’s already been 6 months!!!! She says, “Well it’s 20 weeks from the time someone starts to work on it”…..WTF are you talking about I had to cuss her ass out? I am so over this bullsh*t nobody ever knows what the hell is going on. You get told different info by everyone when you actually do get someone on the damn phone……. Anyone else deal with this BS?
@Ashley. You did not send your return via certified mail? When you send stuff to any government, ALWAYS sent it with tracking or certified. Things always get lost in the mail when you do not send things certified.
@TRent Yes I sent it certified, I show that it was delivered after checking the tracking number and also on the WMAR tool it says they received it 3/7/22. I am sorry when I said “NOTHING” in the above message I meant nothing as in no progress on my return. It showed they received it and then I got that take action message shortly after. I am sorry for the confusion. But I have nothing at all on my transcripts just the WMAR tool. That’s why I was like WHAT ?? When she said they didn’t have it…like you have to have something if the tool is saying you got it on 3/7/22. Then she said someone was assigned to it on 9/6 and that it’s 20 weeks from that date to process. I was under the impression the 20 weeks started when it showed up in the system. So now after waiting for 6 months for it to get to someone I now have to wait an additional 20 weeks for it to process. BUTTTTT I called back when I got the “Take Action” message and they said to call back in 4 weeks and we should have an update. I feel like both times I called I was told different info. The person today said they are just getting to returns that were assigned to people back in April??? It doesn’t make and sense I’m just over it…People are getting them before others but its supposed to be going in order.. its just a freakin mess!!! Sorry for the short story I just wrote lol
@Ashley, thanks for the clarification. Which office did you mail yours to? I think it can give everyone an idea of how well, or not so well, each office is doing.
@ Trent, I believe it was the office in TX I can’t remember the city though, My receipt from USPS is so old My tracking number is almost disappeared. But I know it was delivered and that the IRS received it. But it was sent to TX, MY H&R guy triple-checked the address before he sent me off to USPS. Did you mail in yours as well?
@Ashley. I also mailed my amended return to the office in Austin. This is not good news for that office then. I saw an article from this past June posted online. It has a photo of the cafeteria inside the Austin office. Instead of places to eat, it was filled with thousands upon thousands of unprocessed returns.
@ Trent … OH NO that makes me super worried. All I think about is my little envelope falling behind a desk never to be seen again. UGHHH I sure hope things start speeding up this is just freaking SAD. It sucks you can’t even believe what they tell you when you call. I’m worried about filing this year’s taxes because I now have a balance from the year I’m trying to amend. So I am sure they will be quick to take the money they think they are owed. Like should I wait until this is fixed to file next year?
@Ashley, It is my understanding the IRS started a phased return to office this past May. So yes, I think things will pick up in speed soon. After I heard about the stimulus payment, I then filed three previous years returns in September 2020. It took six months before I got refunds on those. Regular returns had priority. Another on here posted the sent in two or more Amended returns in July 2021, and they indicated it took 13 months to get the first refund.
I’m in your boat, Ashley. “Received” 2 of 3 amended returns 4/13/22 & status says not processed with take action to call. Are you f’ing kidding me? And then I’m seeing that ppl are getting direct deposits but by law amended returns are supposed to be by check only… Where is the consistency??? I think the IRS needs to “take action” bc we’re all being told different things & it appears that competency is not being “received” out here.
I’ve haven’t been told that, that but have been told different dates. Called in July and was told Sept 19th and called this week and was told it wouldn’t be until the end of October. Even though my transcript show the amount updated on my transcript as of 08/30.
IRS received my Amended for 2021 on Feb 28th..I waited 20 weeks,with no updates…Finally got a hold of a real person Sept 12th…She said it still hasn’t even been assigned agent…to try back in 30 days……
@Chris. What office did you mail yours to?
So they received my amended return 3/4/2022
Sent me a letter asking for documents (provided)
It says Adjusted 6/24/2022 and Completed 7/15/2022
My transcript still doesn’t show that it has even been assigned to anyone.
The last entry on my transcript is for 7/04/2022 with a 290 code.
I have no idea when or if I will ever see my amended return.
Code 290 on your transcript means a has been lifted off of your account and no additional tax has been assessed (will show a $0 on line). A Code 290 with a $0 indicates that the IRS reviewed your return but did not charge you any additional tax. This is a good sign and you should be getting a resolution and likely refund soon.
I checked my transcript this morning and my refund is completed! It says a refund will be issued on 9/21/2022. Should I be watching for it sooner?
Hi Jen, When was your amended return accepted? Mine was accepted March 9, but nothing yet.
@Jess. Jen wrote in an earlier post. “So they received my amended return 3/4/2022.” I suspect she must of submitted it via electronically.
jen please keep us updated if you do receive it soon so maybe we can all have a glimpse of hope.
So, my transcript says refund issued 9-21-2022 but I still haven’t seen it. I am not sure if I will get it direct deposit or if it will be a mailed check.
Where do I find the transcripts
You can open up a free IRS account to acccess. See how in this article – https://savingtoinvest.com/getting-a-free-copy-of-your-irs-tax-return-information-form-4506t-irs-tax-transcript/
Should I be worried if my amended return doesn’t show up on my transcript? The WMAR tool shows they received it but there is nothing on my account transcript. This is the correct transcript, right?
@Ashley. No you shouldn’t. They received mines 2/26/22 and I just found out my case was closed 9/8/22. I called collections because never could get anyone on the phone for amended refunds. They gave me a transfer pin and I waited 1hr 12 mins. to speak to the rep. She confirmed case is closed and it will take 2 to 4 weeks for a refund. My transcript never reflected any change nor did the wmar site. So it appears it’s diff for some individuals.
I received my amended tax return direct deposit this morning!! It was accepted on march 1st.. So hang tight.. Its coming! The wait is frustrating and ridiculous for real!!
Yay Jeannie Gray and some didn’t believe me when I said check your transcript and it will be a direct deposit
Where will it say this. I’ve checked mine and nothing has changed. They accepted it on 2/26/22 and then on transcript says 4/15/22 they received it. Where to look for refund date? Thanks
@Natascha There are dates listed on it. The fuether down, the more recent dates will be seen. It will say “Refund” along with the amount, and date sent. I see were I have interest credit from earlier this year, but it has never been paid/
I updated article to show an example of a transcript with amended return processing and refund issuance details. Thanks for the note as well Trent.
I dont see it anywhere on my transcript but the WMAR tool shows it…. Should I be a little worried?
@Trent. Thank you! I see a line that says refund with a minus sign but no date or anything. @Andy, where can I see this article where you show an amended transcript?
Thanks so much you guys!!!
Did you Efile or mail?
@Ash. Hi I Efile as I do yearly. This year for what ever reason (I use turbo tax) I did what I always do and uploaded my w2 and voila everything was great. I don’t know what I did wrong but it didn’t add my dependents. So that led to me going to a tax office and letting them efile my amended taxes. Which was 2/26/22
Direct deposit ?? I thought it would have to be a paper check also when checking status did status ever change from the we are sorry one
Several people have reported getting the amended return via direct deposit. Although the IRS doesn’t normally do that for amended returns, they’re making an exception this year because they’re so backed up and people have had to wait.
@Dee, I wonder if they will work a little harder on those backlogs as the next election approaches come this November 8?
They said amended returns will not be direct deposited this year only mailed. I hope mine goes direct deposited.
Amended return refunds are sent via check.
@Andy. According to many posts on here, the IRS is sending refunds via direct deposit.
Does your transcripts say it was sent via direct deposit? Mine says it was amended on 09/09/22 and it says refund issued on 09/12/22 but I can’t see whether it was via check or direct deposit and as of this morning 09/14/22 I haven’t received anything.
You can pull up the account transcript and see if anything has been changed. It usually has a date next to things about your transcripts. When they got it, what you owe, when they are making changes, sending notices. There is a glossary to help you. Just log into the IDMe IRS thing, log in and go to Tax Records tab then to Get Transcripts
Did my amended on 02/27/22, checked my transcriptand it said the last update was 08/29/22 so hoping this means I get it soon.
Mine said that too and it was them sending me a letter that I owed interest on the year that I am amending. Like the NERVE … you haven’t fixed this year and yet you’re telling me I owe a late interest fee?!! I shouldn’t even have a damn balance first of all let alone a damn late fee.
Where do you see that on your transcript. I see nothing that says last update. Would that be at the top. Thanks!
It’s way on the bottom of your transcript. If there’s no update after the line way at the bottom that says your ammeneded return was filed, then they have not worked on it yet.
Sent amended (to Austin) 4.12.21, transcript just yesterday marked received 2.20.22-so hopeful something is happening.
@CLS. That does not make sense. You sent it off on April 12, 2021, and they just marked it received on February 20, 2022? You did not sent it via Certified Mail?
I filed my amended return march 1st and still waiting for my paper check because according to the reps.. you can’t get a amended return via direct deposit.
@Brian. Paper Check? Some others are reporting they are getting direct deposits. Have you checked your transcripts to see if anything has happened?
How do you read the transcript I filed my amendment 02/22/22 and still says just processing. No letter in the mail or anything
My electric amended received end of Feb 22.Had not been processed I called waited about 1hr 40minutes to speak to someone it took 3 tries.Bottom line check your transcript. There should be a release day that the IRS has sent it to your bank with the amount.
@Moolah. So you are saying yours is completed, or will be completed? What is the date of completion, and issue date of a refund? Will they send it via ACH, or paper check?
Thanks
Trent yes mine was completed today. On the account transcript is shows when it will be disbursed to you mine was done electronically 2/28 they received it.Finally today my money went into my bank account
Your amended return went to your bank?
@Moolah. So you are saying yours is completed, or will be completed? What is the date of completion, and issue date of a refund? Will they send it via ACH, or paper check?
Filed 2/28
Sent ACH 8/31
The WMAR didn’t update anything nor did the where my refund. Total of 6 months
I feel like this isnt right lol .. You got a check sent to your bank account??? For an amended return?
I think this is fantastic news I had mine accepted march 1st. So kind should be coming sooner than later. It’s very frustrating to wait like this.
@Moolah, my transcript finally says “refund issued 9/16”. That’s next week! So excited. But it doesn’t say ACH. Did yours say ACH or just “refund sent”?
Amended return refunds are paid via check
@Andy. People here have been reporting they have been getting direct deposits.
I filed my amendment April 4th…..says it hasn’t been processed yet……I filed my taxes February 4th still nothing they sent one letter since February stating they were holding it found out when I finally got through after almost 2 months that I didn’t file one of my returns and I had to do an amendment I electronically filed April 4th no letters have been sent out I called got through last week and they told me the 26th of this month they were going to process it still nothing it’s overwhelming and very frustrating still no letters came in the mail or anything I’m just annoyed
I’ve been waiting over a year for mine And it shows nothing✨Processing
I had H&Block do mu amended return.Sent 8-8-21 still have information regarding my refund.Its been a year.
My amended return was completed on June 3rd. I’m still waiting. It’s useless calling the IRS number AND I was told it could be up to six months before you see your refund check
When did you file the amended return?
My amended return has been sitting since 3-31-22. Still not processed. Its going to be awhile.
So mine was done on the 23rd and I still haven’t got anything back yet so what can we do
We submitted ours in March of 2022 and we still haven’t received ours. We even called over a month ago and they told us they were putting it through and we should have it in 30 days. It’s been over 30 days and still nothing. And it has not changed its status in their system according to the website. Been trying to get through to them for the last 2 weeks now.
You are going to need to look at your tax transcripts online (will have to validate through IDme).
Someone just posted the web page also shows no update since it shows received in Early March. Their transcripts indicate an refund has been issue for September 2
I Submitted My Amended Tax Return April 10th , It Was Approved April 10th I Called The IRS & The Lady Said By August 28, People Should Start Getting Paid But Im Not Sure . I’m Gonna Call Again Tomorrow Because Where Is My Money??!
I’m at 5 months and still says my ended return hasn’t been processed yet.
Amended
I’m over a year in waiting and no status :/
Wow that’s over a year
I logged into the IRS website today and noticed that the balance I once had is changed to “0”. I once had a $1,100 balance from late fees and now it is not there. When I go to my balance for my amended tax year it says, ” If you requested an adjustment to your account your information will not be available until that transaction is complete.” So I think they might be working on something?? I looked at my transcripts and there is no changes on those as of now but something has gotta be going on right??? It says notice was issued on 8/29/22?? Not sure if that means they are sending me something on that day ?? lol Like is this a small glimmer of hope??? I will keep you posted, could be absolutely nothing but its the first change I’ve seen on my account in months. OH also WMAR still says they received it 3/7/22 but still haven’t processed sorry blah blah blah
I understand a “0” means nothing owed and nothing to be returned. a “+” amount means you owe the IRS. A “-” means what is owed to you.
They probably took away late fees because of the slow processing they are doing. They probably sent the notice to you in the mail about the late fee adjustment. I am sure they will be processing your amended return very soon.
Yeah I sure do hope so and I am for sureeeee getting a return. I screwed up my taxes big time and with this amendment, I am supposed to get back a pretty big return. So I better see a “-” somewhere soon lol. Once I get the notice I will let the chat know what it was about!
Well, that letter was absolutely NOTHING!! It was a notice saying that a late fee will apply for the current year I am trying to amend. Like are you serious?? The NERVE… You have provided no updates for my amended return for MONTHS. But you sure know that there was a balance and you want your money! I am so over this shit
It was absolutely NOTHING a late notice fee .. for the year I’m currently amending.
Mine was sent in April 2021 and was processed in September 2021 and says it was completed March 5, 2022. I received a letter in the mail telling me I will be getting a refund but I have never received the check.
So, you should be contacting them ask where it is.
Amended electronically on 2/26/22
And excepted 2/26/22. Still no updates.
Me too!
I did mine on 2/24/22 and it still says it hasnt been processed, its been 6 months >:(
Has anyone that has sent in a paper amendment gotten their refund yet and was it within the scheduled timeframe from their amended schedule dates? Or if so, how long after that scheduled date?
My returned was received 7/06/21 and still says it’s being processed. They are supposedly processing them in order received. I hope this is true. I am honestly shocked it’s been over a year and still
No update!
Do you know when it started being “processed”? Can you tell us what office you sent yours to?
Wondering as maybe it will give everyone an idea of who is slow, and who is faster.
Back in September 2020, I sent an old return to the Austin, TX office, and they sent it back to me six months later saying I did not sign it. I returned it, and another six months passes, I got my refund from that return.
So again, I sent in three amended returns this past late March and their system shows they received them, but not processed.
My six months will be late next month (September 2022).
Since it has been over a year for you, may want to contact the IRS Tax Advocate.
Also, people on Redditt are saying the “Where’s my Refund” is not accurate, but instead one should use the IRS system to look at your “tax transcripts.” You will need to verify your identification with IDme
The transcript says nothing of value.
I believe it was sent to the Texas office as well. From what I gather TPA is experiencing high volume of cases as well and are limiting help to others.
I’m in the same boat, my amended return was received 6/30/21 and still nothing. My friend’s return was received in October and she got hers last month so the “processing them in the order received” is a joke :(
I sent my paper amendment in on July 2nd, 2021 and the status on it FINALLY moved to “adjusted” on Aug 19th, 2022 but has still never moved to the next step of “completed”. So it’s been 14 months since I filed mine and I still haven’t received it which is just crazy!!!
They received my amended 1/11/22 and still says it has not been processed! Good luck trying to get anyone on the phone!
Here’s how you get someone on the phone with the IRS it worked for me I found it on a website….
Call 1-800-829-1040
Choose option one
Option two
Option one
Choose option 3 for all others
Option two
No social security number
Option two
Then option four
I had to wait for half an hour for someone to call me back but they did.
i’ve tried 10x, nothing!