Federal stimulus payment and amended return

[BillW1013]

I filed an amended federal return which changed my stimulus payment status from ineligible to eligible.  Will the IRS detect this change and send my stimulus payment automatically or do I need to contact them?

[xmasbaby0]

Do not get your hopes up that amending your 2019 return will result in getting a stimulus check this year.  It takes months for the IRS to process amended returns--and this year it is taking much longer than the "normal" four months.  You will be able to get the stimulus money when you file your 2020 return next year if you are eligible.

   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...

[BillW1013]

Thank you for the quick and informative response!  As it turns out, I was able to e-file my 1040X amended return.  So assuming (I know, big assumption) they process it this year, is there any other action required on my part to receive the stimulus payment?  Thanks again.

[xmasbaby0]

@BillW1013 No, there is nothing else for you to do.  Again--have low expectations.  E-filing your amended return does not mean they will process it any faster than they process a mailed 1040X that they just dug from the pile.  Good luck.

[BillW1013]

Again, greatly appreciated! Thanks.