Is the IRS currently processing amended returns?

Asked by: Raoul Ruecker  |  Last update: February 9, 2022
Score: 4.8/5 (75 votes)

Status of Processing Form 1040-X, Amended Individual Tax Return: As of January 8, 2022, we had 2.3 million unprocessed Forms 1040-X. We are processing these returns in the order received and working hard to get through the inventory. The current timeframe can be more than 20 weeks instead of up to 16.

How long are amended returns taking for 2021?

It can take three weeks for an amended return to show up in the IRS's system and up to 16 weeks to process an amended return. If nothing has happened after 16 weeks, call the IRS again (here's a list of IRS phone numbers) or ask someone at a local IRS office to research your amended return.

Why are amended tax returns delayed 2020?

Tens of millions of taxpayers experienced prolonged delays in the processing of their returns last year, as the IRS continued to work through challenges exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic, like staffing shortages and tax law changes.

How long is IRS taking to process amended returns?

As a reminder, amended returns take up to 16 weeks to process. It can take up to three weeks from the date you mailed it to show up in our system. There's no need to call the IRS during that three-week period unless the tool specifically tells you to do so.

Is the IRS processing amended returns yet?

As of October 30, 2021, the IRS had a backlog of over 2.7 million unprocessed amended returns. The IRS is processing these returns in the order received, and the current processing time posted on its operational page is more than 20 weeks.

2022 IRS TAX REFUND - Important Update - Direct Deposit Schedule, Delays, EITC & CTC, Tax Refunds

44 related questions found

Why is my amended tax return taking so long?

Because the IRS is taking more time processing amended returns, refunds will take longer, too. So be prepared for a wait. Note: If you do have money coming as a result of an amended return, the IRS will mail you a check. The agency is not offering direct deposits for any refunds related to a Form 1040-X.

Is the IRS still processing 2020 tax returns?

He said the IRS is still processing $9.8 million tax returns from 2020. The delays are mostly due to errors in filing, some having to do with the economic stimulus payments. ... “If you don't report the correct amount, again it's going to hold up the tax return processing to who knows when,” McCarron said.

Why is my amended return not showing 2020?

You might have filed an amended tax return for one of several reasons. For small clerical errors or forgetting to attach a specific form, you usually don't need to file an amended return—the IRS will fix it or contact you if necessary. ... If they filed an amended return, it might not have shown up in the IRS system yet.

Why is the IRS so far behind on refunds?

Although the backlog is not too different from last season's, it is a far higher number than the unprocessed returns the I.R.S. ... One big reason for the pileup, according to the report, is that the federal government charged the I.R.S. with administering various stimulus payments and other programs during the pandemic.

How long is it taking the IRS to process paper returns?

If you file a complete and accurate paper tax return, your refund should be issued in about six to eight weeks from the date IRS receives your return. If you file your return electronically, your refund should be issued in less than three weeks, even faster when you choose direct deposit.

Can I chat with IRS online?

Chat with the Website Help Desk for help navigating the IRS site. Online agents can answer questions regarding where to find forms or other information on the site, but not questions regarding your tax return or refund. Hours are 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday.

Can you contact IRS via email?

The IRS will not initiate email contact with you without your consent. ... You should not send personal information to us via email unless it is through a secure IRS online application via IRS.gov.

How do I call the IRS and talk to a real person?

Contact an IRS customer service representative to correct any agency errors by calling 800-829-1040. Customer service representatives are available Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time, unless otherwise noted (see telephone assistance for more information).

Do IRS transcripts show amended returns?

A return transcript shows most lines from the original tax return as it was processed. Changes made to the return after it was processed are not reflected, including any amended returns you may have filed.

Why is Where's My Refund not available?

There are a few reasons why you may be getting the following message at Where's My Refund: We cannot provide any information about your refund. You must wait at least 24 hours after you get the acknowledgment e-mail that your tax return was received by the IRS.

Is the IRS open now?

Our customer service representatives are available Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern Time.

How do I know if IRS received my tax return?

Find out if Your Tax Return Was Submitted
  1. Using the IRS Where's My Refund tool.
  2. Viewing your IRS account information.
  3. Calling the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 (Wait times to speak to a representative may be long.)
  4. Looking for emails or status updates from your e-filing website or software.

Are amended tax returns delayed?

The IRS statement says COVID-19 continues to cause delays in live phone support processing paper returns, answering mail and reviewing returns. That includes those filed electronically. The IRS says instead of 16 weeks, the refund wait is more than five months or more.

When should I expect my amended tax refund?

Your amended return will take up to 3 weeks after you mailed it to show up on our system. Processing it can take up to 16 weeks.

Can I upload documents to IRS?

Depending on the situation, the acceptable types of documentation may include copies of pay statements or check stubs. You take a picture of your documentation and the Documentation Upload Tool enables you to upload the image. And just like that, the IRS can access the data and continue working the case.

How long does it take to get tax refund once mailed 2021?

On average, filers receive their refunds two weeks after their taxes were accepted by the IRS for direct deposits and three weeks after e-filing for a paper check in the mail. What's Taking So Long? If you don't receive your refund in 21 days, your tax return might need further review.

Is the IRS backlogged 2021?

The IRS has its own internal watchdog, the National Taxpayer Advocate. In her annual report to Congress this month, the advocate, Erin Collins, said that in 2021, the agency had a backlog of some 35 million returns that required manual processing.

Is the IRS still backlogged?

"Paper is the IRS's Kryptonite, and the agency is still buried in it." As of late December, the IRS had backlogs of 6 million unprocessed original individual returns (Forms 1040), 2.3 million unprocessed amended individual returns (Forms 1040-X), more than 2 million unprocessed employer's quarterly tax returns (Forms ...

Is the IRS behind on refunds 2022?

Although the IRS says most refunds will be sent within 21 days, experts warn that delays are likely, noting that the agency is still working through 2020 tax returns. ... Donald Williamson, an accounting and taxation professor at American University in Washington, said he expects "weeks and weeks" of IRS delays in 2022.