Form 1040-X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return: Frequently asked questions

You can check the status of your amended return with the Where's My Amended Return? tool. It may take up to 3 weeks for your amended return to show in our system.

Can I file my amended return electronically? (updated January 5, 2024)

Yes. If you need to amend your Form 1040, 1040-SR, 1040-NR, or 1040-SS/PR for the current or two prior tax periods, you can amend these forms electronically using available tax software products.

What are some reasons that an amended return cannot be filed electronically? (updated January 5, 2024)

Amended returns must be filed by paper for the following reasons:

  1. Any amended Form 1040, 1040-SR, 1040-NR or 1040-SS/PR returns older than the current or prior two tax periods cannot be amended electronically. Amended returns for those earlier tax years must be filed by paper.
  2. If amending a prior year return originally filed on paper during the current processing year, then the amended return must also be filed on paper.

How do I file my amended return electronically?

Contact your preferred tax software provider to verify their participation, answer any questions and for specific instructions needed to submit your amended return.

How many amended returns can be filed electronically? (updated January 2, 2024)

You can electronically file up to three amended returns per tax year. If you file a third amended return that is accepted, all subsequent attempts will be rejected.

Can I file my amended return electronically for previous tax years? (updated January 5, 2024)

You can amend your Form 1040, 1040-SR, 1040-NR, or 1040-SS/PR for the current or two prior tax periods electronically.

Will my amended return be processed faster if I file electronically? (updated June 4, 2024)

Possibly by one or two weeks, because it eliminates mailing time. You should generally allow 8 to 12 weeks for your Form 1040-X to be processed. However, in some cases, processing could take up to 16 weeks. You can visit our processing status dashboard for more information on our timeframes.

What forms are required with an electronically filed amended return?

An amended Form 1040, 1040-SR and 1040-NR return requires submission of all necessary forms and schedules as if it were the original submission, even if some forms have no adjustments. This is in addition to an attached Form 1040-X.

The amended Form 1040-SS/PR return requires submission of all necessary forms and schedules as if it were the original submission, even if some forms have no adjustments. Note that Form 1040-X will not be attached to Form 1040-SS/PR.

Is a new Form 8879 required when electronically filing Form 1040-X?

A new Form 8879 is required each time an amended Form 1040 or Form 1040-SR is electronically filed.

Is direct deposit available for electronically filed Form 1040-X? (updated January 2, 2024)

Beginning in processing year 2023, direct deposit can be requested for electronically filed amended returns for tax year 2021 and later. The bank account information should be entered on the electronically filed Form 1040-X (or Corrected Form 1040-SS/PR).

Can Form 8888, Allocation of Refund (Including Savings Bond Purchases), be filed with an amended return?

Yes. Form 8888 may be attached to an electronically filed amended return to request a direct deposit to multiple bank accounts. Refunds from amended returns cannot be used to buy savings bonds.

Where do I mail a paper check for an electronically filed amended return and should I use a Form 1040-V, Payment Voucher?

Use Form 1040-V, Payment Voucher, when mailing a paper check for payment made on an electronically filed amended return. Form 1040-V instructions provide the mailing address for sending paper checks.

How can I check the status of my electronically filed amended return? (updated January 2, 2024)

The Where's My Amended Return? online tool or the toll-free telephone number 866-464-2050 can be used to check the status of your return and confirm receipt.

How soon can I use the Where's My Amended Return? application to check the status of an electronically filed amended return?

The Where's My Amended Return? (WMAR) online tool or the toll-free telephone number 866-464-2050 can be used for status updates three weeks after filing the return. Both tools are available in English and Spanish and have the most up-to-date information available.

Can I get the status of an amended return for multiple tax years? (updated January 2, 2024)

Where's My Amended Return? or the toll-free telephone number 866-464-2050 can get you the status of your amended returns for the current tax year and up to three prior tax years.

What is happening when my amended return's status shows as received? (updated June 3, 2024)

Your amended return was received and is being processed.

What is happening when my amended return's status shows as adjusted?

An adjustment was made to your account. The adjustment will result in a refund, balance due or in no tax change.

What is happening when my amended return's status shows as completed?

Your amended return has been processed. You will receive all the information connected to its processing by mail.

It's been longer than 12 weeks since you received my amended return. Why hasn't it been processed? (updated June 4, 2024)

Some amended returns take longer than 12 weeks for several reasons. Your return may need further review if it:

Delays in processing may also occur when an amended return needs:

You will be contacted if more information is needed to process your amended return.

What types of amended returns aren't available in the tool?

Where's My Amended Return? cannot give you the status of the following returns or claims:

You may find the following tax information useful: