Amendment taking longer than 3 weeks to show up in IRS website

[AHammondsLarson]

I have amended my 2018 taxes in Feb of 2022. The state has received my amended return and is processing it. It's been longer than 3 weeks and it's still not showing up on the IRS website. Should I call them?

[xmasbaby0]

Even during “normal” times it takes about four months for the IRS to process an amended return.  During the pandemic and due to the severe backlog at the IRS it is taking much longer—six months or more for many amended returns.  Do not expect quick results from amending.  When the IRS issues a refund for an amended return it will be by check.  They do not make direct deposits for refunds for amended returns.  You can watch for information here:

https://www.irs.gov/Filing/Individuals/Amended-Returns-(Form-1040-X)/Wheres-My-Amended-Return-1

[AHammondsLarson]

I’m aware of all that. My concern is that is not showing up in there system and it’s been 5 weeks. It’s not even showing they have received it. My questions is at what point do I call to verify that? The state has received it and are processing s federal doesn’t even show up on where’s my amendment. 

[fanfare]

I don't think "Where's my Amended Return" status page covers 2018.

[xmasbaby0]

"Where's my amended return"  should show any amended return that they have received---when they have entered it into the system.   But realistically, given the backlog, your expectations may need to be lowered.   You can call them all you want to, but do not expect amazing results from those phone calls.   You may just have to accept that you are going to have a long wait for your amended return to be processed.  We have heard from many people who have waited for nearly a year.

[AHammondsLarson]

Again I’m fine with waiting on the return to be processed. I’m just concerned that it’s not in the system as revived yet. How long does one wait to see if something has been received. I’m not trying to rush the process and my expectations aren’t set high. I’m very aware they are taking close to 6months to process. My question is at what point do I call them to see if they have RECEIVED it. It’s not showing up in the system and it’s been 5weeks. I just want to know that they got it. I don’t care how long it takes to be processed. If anyone has a clear answer that would be great. Just want to know how long should it take to show up as they have received the return.

[xmasbaby0]

There is no clear answer.   They are backlogged and understaffed, and working at their own pace.  Call whenever you want to try calling.    They might tell you the return has been received, they might say they have no information, or they might hang up on you.....all possible responses from IRS employees who do not want to answer phone calls.

[fanfare]

My niece filed 1040-X on paper in Oct 2021. 

It showed up on amended return status within a week.

Still waiting for it to be processed.

That should tell you something.

[AHammondsLarson]

Did your niece receive her refund yet? I am still waiting, my status shows they received it on 3/7/22. However it has not been processed and it's been over 16 weeks, now my status says "TAKE ACTION". 

[xmasbaby0]

@AHammondsLarson

Even during “normal” times it takes about four months for the IRS to process an amended return.  During the pandemic and due to the severe backlog at the IRS it is taking much longer—six months or more for many amended returns.  Do not expect quick results from amending.  When the IRS issues a refund for an amended return it will be by check.  They do not make direct deposits for refunds for amended returns.  You can watch for information here:

https://www.irs.gov/Filing/Individuals/Amended-Returns-(Form-1040-X)/Wheres-My-Amended-Return-1

[AHammondsLarson]

I'm asking about the status of her niece's refund. If she has received it or not. I am aware of everything you just copied and pasted from the first message. 

[fanfare]

Amended return submitted Oct 2021 still no progress.

According to IRS there is a backlog of 2 million amended returns.

Since this number lately doesn't change much or grows, I still won't believe the IRS processes them in order received.

@AHammondsLarson 

[AHammondsLarson]

Did she ever receive anything from State? Did her status ever change to take action?