The IRS does not open until February 12 to begin processing returns. Your return is waiting in line. Once they open, they have 48 hours to accept or reject a return.
- If your return is accepted, you will need to amend.
- If your return is rejected, you can correct your mistake and file again.
Once your return is accepted and the finances are settled, you can file an amended return.
- Save a copy of the original return before doing an amended return. See:
- Pay additional tax. Taxpayers who will owe more tax should file Form 1040-X and pay the tax as soon as possible to avoid penalties and interest. They should consider using IRS Direct Pay to pay any tax directly from a checking or savings account for free.
- Use separate forms if amending more than one tax year.
- Track amended return status online. Taxpayers can track the status of their amended tax return in English and Spanish using Where’s My Amended Return? Amended returns take up to 16 weeks to process and up to three weeks from the date of mailing to show up in the system.