I mailed my amended return in 5 weeks ago and there is still no record of it on file why?

[bluedeb · Accepted solution]

It could be that the IRS is behind with everything going on.  Amended returns are done manually.

Three weeks after mailing your amended return, you can start tracking it at the IRS Where's My Amended Return? tracking tool.  Please allow at least 16 weeks for the IRS to process your amended return.

Processing times for amended state returns vary from state to state. If it's been more than 12 weeks since you mailed your amended state return, and you haven't heard anything, we suggest you contact your state tax agency.

[aprilbbryan]

I'm in same shape. Do they even say they have it yet? IRS is going to start allowing turbotax and others to process amended returns electronically this summer sometime, so if nothing else maybe we have that. https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-announces-form-1040-x-electronic-filing-options-coming-this-su[prod...

[bluedeb · Accepted solution]

@aprilbbryan  After this post was answered the IRS closed due to Covid-19, they are still processing e-filed returns but they are currently not processing mailed in returns (original or amended).  They said they will be processing the mailed in returns once they open back up.  You can keep checking the IRS, Where's My Amended Return, it will show information once the IRS starts processing your amended return.

[aprilbbryan]

I know they were behind due to covid and returns were in trailers. Do we have any clue on when we consider our amended return lost and either refile by paper or possibly through turbotax online?

[xmasbaby0]

 @aprilbbryan   The IRS has not been working on mailed returns until very recently---and an amended return could only be filed by mailing it in until late August 2020 when the IRS began to accept e-filed 2019 amended returns.   Under normal circumstances you would be able to see something about your mailed in Form 1040X after about three weeks, but that is not the case right now.  The usual 4 months for processing an amended return is going to take longer.  Sorry.

https://www.cnn.com/2020/04/20/politics/irs-mail-trailers-covid/index.html

MAILED RETURNS

Per the IRS website IRS Operations During COVID-19: Mission-critical functions continue:  

IRS operational status and alternatives

Processing Delays for Paper Tax Returns: Taxpayers should file electronically through their tax preparer, tax software provider, or IRS Free File. 

We’re experiencing delays in processing paper tax returns due to limited staffing. If you already filed a paper return, we will process it in the order we received it.

Do not file a second tax return or contact the IRS about the status of your return.

 If you mail a tax return (or a payment) to the IRS, it is a good idea to use a mailing service that will track it like UPS or certified mail so you will know it was received.

 TurboTax will not know anything about your amended return, and nor will TT know that you put your 1040X  in an envelope and took it to a mailbox.  TurboTax does not get updates on mailed  (or e-filed) returns.

When the IRS finally opens its mail and begins to process mailed returns you can check the status on the IRS site.

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

https://www.irs.gov/filing/individuals/amended-returns-form-1040-x/amended-return-frequently-asked-q...

[Critter-3]

Do NOT NOT NOT under any circumstances make things worse by trying to efile an amended return after you have mailed it in ... this will only delay things further.  Just be patient and check the IRS site once a week for a progress report. 

[aprilbbryan]

Thank you for that feedback. So if I mailed March 23, do I wait till November before I consider lost? I did not send certified of course cause had not idea covid would be happening and everything would fall apart. Thank you again

[voznesen]

can you please give some more information why this is a bad idea to e-file amended return after it has been mailed already?

[voznesen]

can you please give some more information why this is a bad idea to e-file amended return after it has been mailed already?

[xmasbaby0]

Submitting the same amended return by e-filing it after you have mailed it can lead to all kinds of confusion for the IRS and delay the processing of your return even more than it has already been delayed by the pandemic.  The "normal" amount of time to process an amended return is about four months.  It is taking longer during the pandemic.  Patience is your best strategy.

[Jennifer1974]

Is there any problem with mailing it again?  I mailed my amended return (certified) in May.  Tracking through the post office showed it was received.  Tracking on the IRS website still shows no record.

Because there is a time limit for amending your returns (I am due a refund from 2018)  I mailed it AGAIN certified last week.  Tracking through the post office shows received.  I don't want to mess anything up by mailing it twice- but after 5 months and the IRS having no record of it- I assumed it was lost and sent it again.

[Critter-3]

First you have 3 years to file an amended return for a refund ... so you have until 4/15/2022 to file a 2018 return.

Next, do NOT mail in another return as this can delay things even further.  Under normal times an amended return would take 4 months or more to process but add on the 4 month covid delay  this year and expect the return to take 6 to 8 months or more to process.  More than 11 million envelopes piled up while the IRS was closed down and they are trying to dig out from under while more mail arrives everyday.   When your envelope floats to the top of the pile and is opened and entered into the system for processing you may see it on the IRS tool ... just check once a week for a progress report so you don't drive yourself crazy and resign to waiting a long long time this year.     https://www.irs.gov/filing/wheres-my-amended-return

Per the IRS ....

COVID-19 Mail Processing Delays

It’s taking us longer to process mailed documents including:

• Paper tax returns, and
• All tax return related correspondence.

We are processing all mail in the order we received it.

Do not file a second tax return or call the IRS.

[Fishnc422]

Sent mine July 31 2020 almost 8 months not seeing nothing nowhere , I mailed mine in also it is a older amended return 2018, I don’t care when I get it just that I know Irs got it 

[Critter-3]

Try  calling to check the status of your refund at the IRS website.

https://www.irs.gov/refunds

800-829-1040

First choose your language.
Then 2
Then 1
Then 3
Then 2
When asked for SSN do nothing it will ask twice
Then 2
Then 4
You should then be transferred to an agent, but there is likely to be a long wait.