Unfortunately, I am not expert enough to give you a definitive answer. When there is a change in tax liability or refund amount, then you should normally amend to get the books balanced (unless the IRS does it automatically for you). So if there is a net change of zero dollars to your IRS account, then some things really don't matter much. As you noted, the IRS often corrects things without you needing to take action. From your words, I'm interpreting that your 8885 did not result in any monetary credit to you. But if it did result in crediting money to you, then there might still be an issue to resolve. You can get an account with IRS.gov to see information on your account. Go to IRS.gov and click "View Your Account". The you get to click "View Your Account" again on the 2nd page. In the "Sign Up" section, select "Create Account", and you will be prompted to verify your identity. If you are lucky, the account can be set up quickly. But if there is an issue with identity (and there often is), then the IRS will mail you additional information to complete the registration. (Don't feel bad if they have to complete the process by mail. I had to do that too. It might take a week or two to set it up.) But once you have your own account, then you can see a lot of what is happening with your account. You can always write the letter if you want. But as long as you filed, and as long as you don't owe anything, there is rarely a problem that becomes significant. I provide one item of caution to people in your situation. Because you might be expecting an IRS contact, do not (repeat do not) become a victim of a fraud. The IRS will never contact you by phone or by email. The IRS will never threaten you. So if you get any telephone calls claiming to be IRS, just hang up. If you get threatening emails, do not click on anything. But do read and respond to IRS correspondence that you receive through the U.S. Mail.
