Filed 1040X for Additional Refund - How Long Until Transcript Updates?

According to the IRS.gov website, amended returns typically take 16 weeks (about 4 months) to process, though some are seeing faster turnaround times in 2024. The Where's My Amended Return tool on IRS.gov updates approximately 3 weeks after you mail your amended return, but electronic 1040X submissions can show up faster. The system processes in batches, so it's not uncommon to see no updates for weeks, then suddenly everything changes at once.

Did you e-file or mail your amended return? This makes a HUGE difference. Here's what you need to know: 1. E-filed amendments: Usually process in 8-12 weeks 2. Paper-filed amendments: Can take 16+ weeks (sometimes 20+ weeks) 3. If you e-filed, check WMAR (Where's My Amended Return) after 3 weeks 4. If you mailed, add 2-3 weeks for mail processing before the clock even starts And don't get me started on how they still can't seem to process these faster in 2024. It's ridiculous!

I believe the IRS is still working through a backlog from previous years, so amended returns might take anywhere from 12-20 weeks to process, possibly longer in some cases. If you absolutely need to know the status or need that money urgently for your quarterly taxes, you might want to try calling the IRS directly. Many people have had success using Claimyr (https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c) to get through to an IRS agent without the hours-long wait times. They can sometimes provide more detailed information about where your amendment stands in the process.

I filed a 1040X last tax season and tracked it using the WMAR (Where's My Amended Return) tool. My transcript showed status code 971 after about 5 weeks, then code 290 appeared a week later, and finally code 846 with my refund date showed up around week 9. The actual deposit hit my account 3 days after the 846 date posted. The whole process took just under 10 weeks for me.

What deductions did you miss initially that prompted the amendment? I'm wondering because I'm also a contractor and always worried I'm missing something. Did you have to submit any additional Schedule C documentation with your 1040X? Also, did you receive any CP2000 notice or was this self-initiated?

Amended returns are processed completely differently than regular returns. While a standard return might take 21 days, amendments go through a specialized department that handles them in order received. Unlike regular e-filed returns that are largely automated, amendments require manual review - similar to how paper returns are processed vs. electronic ones. If you're counting on this money for your Q2 estimated taxes, you might want to make other arrangements. Most contractors I know who've amended returns had to wait 12+ weeks before seeing any movement.