How Long It Takes to Get Money Back After Amending Your Tax Return

The timeline depends on how you file and whether the IRS finds errors

An amended return typically takes 8 to 12 weeks from the date the IRS receives it, though some people wait longer. If you file on paper, add 2 to 3 weeks for mail time before the IRS even opens your envelope. If you file electronically through tax software or a tax professional, the clock starts sooner. The IRS processes amended returns more slowly than original returns because a person has to review the changes you made, not just a computer.

The exact wait depends on three things: whether you owe money or expect a refund, whether the IRS agrees with your changes, and how busy the IRS is that season. If you owe additional tax, the IRS may process your return faster because they want the money. If you expect a refund, you wait longer.

You can check the status of your amended return using the IRS tool "Where's My Amended Return?" on IRS.gov, but only after the IRS has received and opened your return. This usually takes 2 to 4 weeks after you file.

Key Takeaways

Paper-filed amended returns take 8 to 12 weeks from receipt, plus 2 to 3 weeks for mail delivery, so expect 10 to 15 weeks total.
E-filed amended returns skip the mail delay and typically arrive within 8 to 12 weeks of submission.
The IRS processes amended returns slower than original returns because a person must review your changes by hand.
You can track your amended return status using "Where's My Amended Return?" on IRS.gov once the IRS has received it.
If the IRS finds errors on your amended return, they will contact you by mail and the refund will be delayed further.

Why amended returns take longer than original returns

When you file an original tax return, the IRS computer system scans it for math errors and missing information, then processes it automatically. An amended return cannot be processed this way. Instead, a human employee at the IRS has to open your return, read your Form 1040-X (the amendment form), compare it to your original return, and verify that your changes are correct. This manual review is why the wait is longer.

The IRS also has to check whether your amendment affects other parts of your tax record — for example, if you claimed a dependent you should not have, that changes your child tax credit, which changes your refund amount. The computer cannot make these connections on its own for amended returns.

Paper versus electronic filing and when your refund arrives

If you mail your amended return on paper, the IRS Submission Processing Center has to receive it, open it, scan it, and enter it into the system before processing begins. This adds 2 to 3 weeks to your wait. If you file electronically through tax software (such as TurboTax, H&R Block, or TaxAct) or through a tax professional, your return goes directly into the IRS system and processing starts sooner.

Electronic filing is faster, but the IRS still processes amended returns by hand, so you do not save as much time as you would with an original return. An e-filed amendment typically arrives within 8 to 12 weeks. A paper amendment typically takes 10 to 15 weeks total.

The IRS will send your refund by direct deposit if you provided a bank account number on your amended return, or by check if you did not. Direct deposit is faster — usually 1 to 2 weeks after the IRS approves your return. A check can take 2 to 4 weeks to arrive after approval.

What happens if the IRS questions your changes

If the IRS finds an error on your amended return or disagrees with a deduction you claimed, they will send you a letter by mail explaining the issue. This letter is called a Notice of Proposed Adjustment. You then have 30 days to respond with proof (receipts, documents, explanations) or to agree with the IRS.

If the IRS finds an error and you do not respond, they will adjust your refund amount and send you what they believe you are owed. If you disagree, you can appeal, but this adds months to the process. To avoid this, keep copies of all documents that support the changes on your amended return — receipts, invoices, bank statements, proof of charitable donations, medical bills, or anything else you claimed.

Tracking your amended return while you wait

Do not call the IRS to ask about your amended return before 4 weeks have passed. The IRS does not have the return in their system yet, and the person on the phone cannot help you. After 4 weeks, you can use the IRS tool "Where's My Amended Return?" at IRS.gov. You will need your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount you expect.

The tool will tell you whether the IRS has received your return, whether they are processing it, or whether they have finished and sent your refund. If the tool says your return is still being processed after 12 weeks, you can call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 and ask to speak with someone about your amended return.

What to do if your refund is delayed beyond 12 weeks

If you have waited 12 weeks and the IRS has not sent your refund, first check "Where's My Amended Return?" to see whether they are still processing or whether they sent the refund but it has not arrived. If the tool shows your return is still being processed, the IRS may be reviewing it more carefully because of an error or a red flag.

Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 and tell them you filed an amended return and want to know the status. Have your Social Security number, filing status, and the date you filed ready. The IRS employee can see notes on your return that explain why it is taking longer.

If the IRS sent your refund but you have not received it after 4 weeks, the check may have been lost in the mail. You can request a refund trace, which asks the IRS to investigate whether the check was cashed. This takes another 4 to 6 weeks. If the check was lost, the IRS will send a replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I speed up my amended return by calling the IRS?

No. The IRS processes amended returns in the order they receive them, and calling does not move you to the front of the line. Calling before 4 weeks have passed wastes time because the return has not been entered into the system yet. After 12 weeks, calling can help you find out why your return is delayed, but it will not make the IRS process it faster.

What if I made a mistake on my amended return?

You can file another amended return to correct it. File Form 1040-X again with the correct information. The IRS will process the newest amended return and ignore the one with the error. This adds another 8 to 12 weeks to your wait, so double-check your amended return before you file it.

Will I get interest on my refund if it takes longer than 12 weeks?

Yes. If the IRS takes longer than 45 days to process your amended return and send your refund, they must pay you interest on the refund amount. The interest rate changes quarterly. You do not have to ask for it — the IRS calculates it and includes it with your refund check or deposit.

Does filing my amended return electronically really save time?

Yes, but not as much as it does for original returns. E-filing saves 2 to 3 weeks of mail time, so your wait drops from 10 to 15 weeks to 8 to 12 weeks. If you are already waiting, electronic filing is worth doing if you have not filed yet.

What if the IRS owes me money but I owe state taxes?

The IRS can use your federal refund to pay back state taxes you owe. This is called an offset. If an offset happens, the IRS will send you a notice explaining it, and your refund will be smaller. You will receive the remaining amount after the offset is applied.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.