Best IRS phone # to check on my amended return status?

The IRS phone maze is like trying to navigate a labyrinth blindfolded. The main number is 1-800-829-1040, but be prepared for a long wait - think of it as standing in line at the DMV, but you can't see how many people are ahead of you. When you call, you'll need your SSN, filing status, and a copy of your most recent tax return (both original and amended). I recommend having your AGI from both returns handy too, as they sometimes use this for verification.

According to the IRS website, amended returns are taking 20+ weeks to process right now. I tried calling that main number last month and spent 3 hours on hold before getting disconnected! I eventually used Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) and got through to an agent in about 25 minutes. Has anyone else tried this service? It costs a bit but saved me from redial hell.

For amended returns specifically, you should call the Amended Return Hotline at 866-464-2050. Make sure you have your Taxpayer Identification Number, filing status, and tax year information readily available. The IRS representative will likely ask for verification data points from your original return as well as the amended documentation.

From my experience helping others in this community, here's what you need: • Call the main IRS number: 1-800-829-1040 • Best times to call: Tuesday-Thursday, right when they open at 7am ET • Have ready: SSN, DOB, filing status, both tax returns (original and amended) • Know your mailing address on the return • Have your bank info if you're expecting a direct deposit Also, if you want to understand what's happening with your amended return without calling, check out https://taxr.ai - it can analyze your tax transcript and explain any codes or messages in plain English. Helped a lot of people here understand their amendment status.

Has anyone figured out why the "Where's My Amended Return" tool is so unreliable? According to IRM 21.4.1, the WMAR system should update within 3 weeks of filing, but mine took over 2 months to even show up in the system! I'm surprised the IRS doesn't have better tracking systems given the statutory requirements for processing timeframes under IRC § 6402.

Instead of calling, consider these steps: 1. Create an account on IRS.gov if you don't have one already 2. Access your tax records and request a transcript 3. Look specifically for the "Account Transcript" for the tax year you amended 4. Check for transaction codes 970 (amended return received) and 971 (notice issued) 5. If you see code 290, that often means processing is complete This approach gives you documentation of what's happening without spending hours on the phone. If your amendment involves a significant refund, the implications of delay could affect your financial planning.

I called on March 15th, 2024 after my amended return had been pending for 16 weeks. The representative informed me that amended returns filed before January 31st, 2024 are currently being processed with a 20-26 week timeframe, not the standard 16 weeks they claim. They're prioritizing regular returns until the April 15th deadline passes. If you do call, the Taxpayer Advocate Service number (877-777-4778) sometimes has shorter wait times, but they'll only help if you can demonstrate financial hardship.

Try the IRS tax advocate service. Number is 877-777-4778. They help with delayed refunds. Wait times are shorter. They can research your case. Sometimes they resolve issues faster than regular channels. Worth a try if it's been more than 20 weeks.

I believe the most effective approach might be to contact your local Taxpayer Assistance Center rather than the national number, if possible. You generally need to schedule an appointment, but they can sometimes provide more personalized assistance with amended returns. It might be worth checking if there's a center near you and what their current appointment availability looks like. In my experience, face-to-face interactions often yield better results than phone calls, especially for complicated matters like amendments.

Has your amended return been pending for more than 20 weeks? I'm wondering if you should mention financial hardship when you call - I've heard that can sometimes flag your case for expedited processing?

I went through this exact situation last year! Filed my 1040X in December and didn't see any movement until May. Here's what worked for me: I called 1-800-829-1040 early Tuesday morning (7:15 AM ET) and got through in about 45 minutes. The key is having EVERYTHING ready - your SSN, both your original and amended returns, your AGI from both, and your mailing address exactly as it appears on the return. The rep was able to tell me my amendment was in "error resolution" because of a small discrepancy in how I reported some 1099 income. Once they explained what was needed, I was able to mail in additional documentation and it processed within 3 weeks. Pro tip: Ask the rep to put notes on your account about what was discussed - this helps if you need to call back. Also, if it's been more than 20 weeks since you filed, definitely mention that upfront as it can sometimes trigger a case review. Good luck!

I've been dealing with amended returns for years and here's my tried-and-true approach: Call 1-800-829-1040 on Tuesday or Wednesday right at 7:00 AM ET sharp. Have your SSN, both returns (original and amended), and your bank routing info ready. But here's the insider tip most people don't know - ask the rep to check for any "unpostables" on your account. Sometimes amended returns get stuck because of small mismatches (like a slightly different name format from what's in their system). The rep can usually resolve these on the spot. Also, if you're expecting a refund over $1,000, they might transfer you to a different department that handles larger refunds - this is normal, don't hang up! The wait time resets but you'll get someone who can actually move things along. I've seen people get their refunds released same-day after being stuck for months once the right person looked at their case.

Based on everyone's experiences here, I'd suggest trying multiple approaches since amended returns can be tricky. First, try calling 1-800-829-1040 early Tuesday morning around 7 AM ET with all your documentation ready (SSN, both returns, AGI from both, mailing address). If that doesn't work, the Taxpayer Advocate Service at 877-777-4778 might have shorter wait times. Since you filed in January and it's now March with no updates in the WMAR tool, you're getting close to that 16-20 week processing window others mentioned. One thing to consider - if this is causing financial hardship, definitely mention that when you call as it can sometimes expedite processing. Also worth checking your online IRS account for any transcript updates that might show processing codes before spending hours on hold. Sometimes the system updates there before the WMAR tool catches up. Good luck getting through - the waiting game with amended returns is frustrating but you're definitely entitled to know what's happening!