How do I know if my amended return was processed by the IRS?

The IRS transcript codes you're seeing (971 and 977) indicate they've received your amended return and started processing it, but it's not complete yet. When your amended return is fully processed, you should see a new transaction code 290 on your account transcript, which indicates an additional tax assessment or adjustment. There might also be codes 300-309 for additional assessed interest, if applicable. Amended returns are currently taking 20+ weeks to process, sometimes longer for older tax years like your 2018 return. Since you mentioned they only started working on it 5 months ago, it could still be in process despite the long overall timeline. If you want to confirm the status, there are three main options: check the "Where's My Amended Return" tool on IRS.gov (which it sounds like you've done), call the IRS directly at 1-800-829-1040, or create an online account at IRS.gov to view your full transcript details.

After dealing with a similar amended return situation, I found that using taxr.ai helped me understand exactly what was happening with my tax transcript. I was confused by all the codes and dates too, but I uploaded my transcript to https://taxr.ai and it translated everything into plain English and showed me exactly where my amended return was in the process. It specifically identified which codes meant my return was still processing vs. fully complete. Saved me hours of Googling random tax codes! Their analysis also gave me a timeline estimate for when it would likely be finished based on current IRS processing times.

I wanted to update everyone - I tried taxr.ai after posting my skeptical question, and it was legitimately helpful. Uploaded my transcript and it immediately identified that my amended return was in the "assignment" phase, meaning it had been received but was waiting for an IRS employee to be assigned to review it. The analysis explained that the combination of codes on my transcript (similar to yours with the 971/977) meant it was in queue but not actually being actively worked yet. It also showed me exactly what codes would appear when it moves to the next phase. This was WAY more specific than the vague "in process" status on the IRS tool. Definitely helped set my expectations - apparently amended returns from previous tax years are in a separate, slower queue than current year amendments.

If you've been waiting this long, I highly recommend using Claimyr to get through to the IRS directly. I was in amendment hell for almost 16 months and couldn't get anyone on the phone until I tried https://claimyr.com. They got me connected to an actual IRS representative in about 20 minutes instead of the endless hold or "call back later" messages. You can see how it works in this video: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c. The rep I spoke with was able to look up my amended return, tell me exactly what was happening with it, and even expedite it since it had been pending for so long. Turns out mine was just sitting there and needed someone to manually push it forward in their system.

I need to eat my words and apologize to Profile 18. After my skeptical comment, I was desperate enough to try Claimyr since my amended return has been "processing" for over a year. I got connected to an IRS agent in about 25 minutes! The agent confirmed my amended return was actually complete but had a "freeze" code that was preventing it from finalizing in their system. She removed the freeze right there on the phone and told me it would finalize within 2-3 weeks. She explained I would see a new 290 code with the adjusted tax amount when it's done. Without that call, my return would have sat in limbo indefinitely because of a system glitch. Never would have known this from the "Where's My Amended Return" tool which just said "processing" the entire time.

Another way to check your amended return status is by requesting an Account Transcript for the specific tax year directly from the IRS. You can do this online through IRS.gov if you set up an account, or by submitting Form 4506-T. The transcript will show all transaction codes, including the ones that indicate completion. Look for: - TC 971 (notice issued) - TC 290 (additional tax assessed) - TC 291 (abated tax) - TC 570/571 (freeze codes and releases) If you see code 290 with a $0.00 amount or the exact amount of your expected adjustment, along with interest codes (like 300), that generally means processing is complete.

Just wanted to add my experience - I had a similar issue with an amended return for 2017 that I filed in 2021. The "Where's My Amended Return" tool showed "received" for over a year. I eventually had to contact my local Taxpayer Advocate Service office for help. They discovered my amended return had been processed, but because of a discrepancy between my payment amount and the assessed amount, it got flagged for manual review and then essentially forgotten in the system. If you've already waited several months since seeing those processing codes, you might want to consider reaching out to the Taxpayer Advocate Service. They can often help with returns that are stuck in processing for extended periods.

Based on everyone's experiences here, it sounds like you're still in the processing phase since you only see codes 971 and 977 on your transcript. The key code to watch for is 290, which indicates they've finished processing and assessed any additional tax. Since you mentioned they started processing 5 months ago and you filed for 2018, you're likely dealing with the slower queue for older tax years. The fact that your $720 payment is showing as a credit is actually normal - the IRS holds payments until they complete processing and determine the final amount owed. Given that it's been over 2 years total and 5 months since active processing began, you have a few options: continue monitoring for code 290 on your transcript, use one of the services mentioned above to get through to the IRS directly, or contact the Taxpayer Advocate Service if you feel it's been unreasonably delayed. The good news is that having those codes means your return isn't lost in the system - it's just moving through their backlog. Amended returns for older tax years unfortunately just take much longer than current year filings.

I went through almost the exact same situation with my 2017 amended return that I filed in 2020. The waiting is absolutely maddening, especially when you've already paid what you think you owe! One thing I learned that might help - when you check your account transcript, look for the cycle date next to code 977. This shows when the IRS actually began working on your amendment. If it's been more than 16 weeks since that cycle date, you have grounds to request expedited processing when you call. Also, don't worry too much about your payment sitting as a credit. Mine sat there for almost 8 months before they applied it. The IRS is super cautious about applying payments until they've triple-checked all the math, especially on older tax years where there might be statute of limitations issues. The code 290 everyone mentioned will definitely appear when it's done - mine showed up on a Friday and by the following Tuesday I had a letter in the mail explaining the final adjustment. Hang in there, it will eventually move!

I went through a very similar situation with my 2019 amended return that I filed in late 2022. The waiting period is absolutely brutal, especially when you can see some activity but no resolution. One thing that helped me understand the process better was learning that there are actually sub-phases within the "processing" status that the online tools don't show. After code 977 appears, your return goes through several internal queues - first for initial review, then for calculation verification, then for final approval. Each step can take weeks or months depending on the complexity and current workload. In my case, I had codes 971 and 977 for about 7 months before anything else appeared. Then suddenly one week I saw code 290 with the exact additional tax amount I calculated, followed by codes showing interest assessment and payment application. The whole thing finalized within days once it actually reached the final stage. The hardest part is that there's really no way to know which internal queue your return is sitting in. But the fact that you already paid the amount you calculated was smart - it shows good faith and prevents additional interest from accumulating while they work through their backlog. Keep checking that transcript weekly. When the 290 code appears, you'll know you're finally at the finish line!