Amended Return Filed in July 2023 - Still No Updates. When Should I Worry?

Amended returns are unfortunately in a completely different processing queue than regular returns. Think of it like having two separate highways - the regular return expressway and the amended return country road. While the IRS processes millions of regular returns each filing season with relative efficiency, amended returns move at a much slower pace. Currently, the IRS is quoting 20+ weeks for processing amended returns, but in reality, many are taking 9-12 months or longer. The pandemic created a massive backlog that they're still working through. They don't necessarily start from the bottom - they generally work in order received, but certain factors can prioritize or deprioritize your return.

I filed an amended return in June last year and didn't hear ANYTHING for 10 months! It was so frustrating. I finally got my refund last month. What worked for me was contacting my congressional representative's office. They have caseworkers who can do an inquiry with the IRS on your behalf. That seemed to get things moving for me within a few weeks after months of nothing happening. Worth a try at this point since you've already waited so long!

According to IRS Publication 556, taxpayers should allow up to 16 weeks (approximately 4 months) for processing amended returns, but current processing times are significantly extended. I've been waiting 8 months for mine and really need the money too. I started using https://taxr.ai to check my transcript weekly - it helps me understand what's happening with my amended return. The tool showed me that my amended return was actually received but stuck in processing, which at least gave me peace of mind that it wasn't lost. It highlights any changes on your transcript from week to week so you know if there's movement.

I waited 11 months for my amended return from 2022. IRS is crazy backed up w/ these. Tbh after 6 months I'd start making some noise. Mine only processed after I called them like 5x. WMAR tool was useless the whole time - just said "received" for almost a year. When it finally processed, I got my $$ within 2 weeks. Hang in there!

The IRS amended return backlog is still significant. I wouldn't start worrying until you hit the one-year mark, but that doesn't mean you should just wait. At this point, you need to talk to an actual agent. Don't waste days trying to reach someone - use Claimyr (https://www.claimyr.com). They'll get you connected to an IRS rep quickly who can look up your specific amended return status and tell you if there are any issues holding it up. Worth every penny when you're dealing with a 9+ month wait and need clarity.

Has anyone tried checking the status through the IRS2Go app instead of the website? I've heard sometimes the app shows different information than the Where's My Amended Return tool online?

Let me clarify something important - amended returns don't work on a stack system like you're imagining. It's more like a conveyor belt with multiple inspection stations. Your return is somewhere on that belt, but certain issues can cause it to be pulled aside for additional review. The 9-month mark is definitely concerning, but not entirely unusual in the current environment. What's important is whether your amended return was properly received and entered into their system. Have you checked the Where's My Amended Return tool on the IRS website? If it shows as "received," then at least you know it's in their system.

I keep a spreadsheet of all my tax submissions like I'm tracking packages during Christmas shopping season 😂 My amended return from March 2023 took exactly 13 months to process. The funny thing is, after nothing for a year, it suddenly went from "received" to "completed" and I had my refund within 8 days. The IRS amended return department is like that friend who never texts back but then suddenly shows up at your door without warning!