Can I send an amended form 1040-X before I receive the refund? I received a letter from IRS telling me that my refund is in hold until they finish the review my 1040.

you shouldn't. you don't know what changes the IRS might make and therefore do not know what your refund will be. if the IRS makes changes your amended return could be incorrect and then you might have to amend the amended return. in addition, the iRS receiving an amended return before the original return is fully processed could further delay any refund.

 

 

sadly many refunds are taking over 6 months and that 60 days can turn into 180.

you could try calling but if it's the general number 800-829-1040 they won't have info on why the extended delay.

millions of taxpayers have experienced extremely long delays. some say they're still waiting for their refund from 2020.

all you can do is wait

 

Why do you need to amend?  Maybe the IRS will automatically fix your original return, then you won't need to amend.  They catch many things.