Amended return status timing

[John129]

So in late June I mailed my amended return and today, October 30th, the Amended return status link at the IRS shows this:  

Where's My Amended Return > 2019
Take Action! Please see below for additional info about your amended return.
Your amended return was received on June 29, 2020. However, it has not been processed. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Please call [phone number removed], extension 623, between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. You will need a copy of your amended return.

Does this mean I am supposed to call them or just wait for them to process my return?

[bluedeb · Accepted solution]

You don't have to call them, you can if you want more information about the processing of your amended return.  The IRS has been behind in processing returns due to Covid-19, so it is taking months to get returns processed fully from their original processing time (3 to 4 months for amended returns).

[Critter-3]

Amended returns usually take 3 to 4 months to process ... but this is not a usual year ... due to the covid shutdown anything requiring a human touch will be taking much longer. 

[Gen_Joab]

I filed a paper amended return (for 2018) back in May of 2020.  Whenever I try to check the status online, it still shows no information:  they have not even entered the return into their system yet, much less actually processed my refund.   It has been 8 months!   I can't even confirm that they ever received the return (although the post office confirms that it was successfully delivered.)  I understand that processing times are a little slower due to Covid, but if the usual is 3 weeks, how can it not be entered in 8 months!  Of course, I can't get a live person on the phone, there is no e-mail address to which I can direct an inquiry.  What do I do?  How can I confirm that at least they have it and will be processing it?
The above post was from someone who sent his return in June of 2020, and by Oct. he got a response.  So how have I not gotten any kind of response when I filed earlier and it's now Jan. of 2021?   That makes me even more concerned that they might have lost or messed up my return.  Any suggestions on how can I check on the status?  They say not to simply re-file, so how long is reasonable to wait?  Whom can I contact?

[AmyC]

The IRS says to call if more than 16 weeks: I really hate to say it, call the IRS.  Call 1-800-829-1040. Don't push buttons -so you can get to a human being.

It sounds like yours has not even started processing. They also say:

It's been longer than 16 weeks since you received my amended return and it hasn't been processed yet. Why?

Some amended returns take longer than 16 weeks for several reasons. Delays may occur when the return needs further review because it:

• Has errors
• Is incomplete
• Isn't signed
• Is returned to you requesting more information
• Includes a Form 8379, Injured Spouse Allocation
• Is affected by identity theft or fraud

Delays in processing also can happen when an amended return needs:

• Routing to a specialized area
• Clearance by the bankruptcy area within the IRS
• Review and approval by a revenue office
• Review of an appeal or a requested reconsideration of an IRS decision

We will contact you whenever we need more information to process your amended return.

@Gen_Joab

[Gen_Joab]

Thanks for taking the time to respond.   The IRS now shows that they have received and entered my return into their system.  There are no errors.  Now they say to allow another 4 months for them to process it and get my refund to me.
So, apparently it's just taking MUCH longer to process due to Covid  (9 months vs. the usual 3 weeks).

[frustrated2017]

I filed an amended return for 2017 in August 2020.  Not a word from the IRS and still not showing up in the system.  9 months later.  Should I be concerned that it is lost?  Thanks.