Got Two Different Refund Amounts for 2023 Amended Return - Split Payment or Error?

This actually happens more often than people realize. I received my amended return in two separate payments back in March 2024 - one on March 12th and another on March 28th. The IRS sometimes processes different portions of your amendment separately, especially if there are multiple tax credits or adjustments involved. Check the letter carefully to see if it mentions specific tax credits or deductions that were processed separately from your initial payment.

Did your amended return involve any refundable credits? It's like ordering a meal and the appetizer and main course arrive separately - the IRS sometimes processes the basic tax refund first, then handles credits like CTC or EITC as a separate transaction. What exactly does the letter say about the $3,809?

I had the exact same situation last year. Called the IRS for three days straight and couldn't get through. Finally used Claimyr (https://www.claimyr.com) and got connected to an agent in 20 minutes. They confirmed it was a split payment - one for the base refund and one for the additional credits. Saved me weeks of wondering. The agent explained that amended returns often get processed in parts.

Have you checked your tax transcript yet? It would show both payments if they're legitimate. I've seen the IRS split payments before - sometimes they process the basic refund first and then handle any credits separately. 😂 It's like they can't walk and chew gum at the same time, but hey, at least you're getting your money!

I had something similar happen with my amended return. Is your letter a CP21B notice? I got one of those after my first payment and it explained the additional amount. I was so confused at first just like you!

It seems likely that you're experiencing what's commonly referred to as a "split refund" situation. The IRS may have processed part of your amended return initially ($4,092) and is now processing the remaining portion ($3,809), which would approximately total your expected $8,000. The letter you received is probably a notice of adjustment (possibly a CP21B or similar) that explains the additional refund amount. This process is somewhat common with amended returns, particularly those involving multiple tax credits or complex adjustments.

Got split payments too. First check came April 2. Second one April 18. Both legit. Add up to full amount. Normal for amended returns. Don't worry.

I think I might have some insight here... When I amended my 2023 return in February, I received two separate payments about 3 weeks apart. The first payment was for the basic tax adjustment, and the second was specifically for the Child Tax Credit portion. The letter should indicate which specific credits or adjustments the second payment covers. It's probably not a typo, but rather the IRS processing different parts of your amendment separately.