I live in Texas. Apparently, the amended address is simply "IRS, AUSTIN, TEXAS 73301". Is that right? Why no street or anything.

[GeoffreyG · Accepted solution]

Yes, you've got that address right.  If you're mailing an amended tax return, from Texas, the complete and correct addressing of the envelope is exactly as follows:

Department of the Treasury

Internal Revenue Service

Austin, TX 73301-0052

You can verify that for yourself, independently of this answer and of TurboTax, by looking at the address chart on the Form 1040X instructions, Page 14 here:

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/i1040x.pdf

While it may seem like a misprint or a mistake at first, that's actually an official mailing address.  The post office does delivery there daily.

Although it may seem odd to most of us, these IRS processing centers are such huge buildings that they really merit their own ZIP codes.  With your own ZIP code, you don't necessarily need a street number.  Don't worry, your amended tax return will get delivered to the right place.

Finally, here are two (minor) bits of advice from a CPA who has been in the tax industry for a long time.  One, when you mail your tax documents, do so from a staffed post office counter if you can, rather than dropping your envelope into an unstaffed mail box.  It's typically somewhat safer, and will ensure that you've got the exact postage necessary.  Second, be certain to use the full 9-digits of the ZIP code, instead of just 5-digits.  That way your amended return will get delivered to the right IRS department in this huge complex, rather than just to the right building.

Thank you for asking this question.

[Rcampos5]

Hi there, 

If you only use the first 5 digits of the Zip Code, what is the typical process of them processing it to the right department? How long will it usually take, given that they take about 12-16 weeks to process an amended tax return? 

[JohnW152]

The only delay should be with the post office in delivering to the IRS without the four-digit extender… perhaps a couple of days, but most likely much less.

The IRS Service Center has a large presence in Austin, and receives a large volume of mail, so any delay would be minimal.

You’ll notice there’s no “STOP #” in the address for your amended return.  This means that it won’t be routed directly to the amended return area, whether it has the additional four zip code digits, or not.  

Someone has to go through the contents of the envelope and identify where it goes.  Once that person sees your amended return, it’ll be placed in a batch for that department, and off it will go.

@Rcampos5