How to file this year's taxes when my amended return from last year still hasn't been processed?

Thanks for the info! Just to clarify - when I file this year, I should use the numbers from my original return (the one with the mistake) and not the corrected numbers from my amendment? That seems weird since I know those numbers are wrong. Also, will this mess up my refund for this year if I'm expecting one? I'm still waiting on about $1,350 from last year's amendment.

Yes, you should use the figures from your original return since that's what the IRS has on record. I know it seems counterintuitive to use numbers you know are incorrect, but until the amendment is processed, the IRS systems only recognize those original figures. Your current year refund shouldn't be affected by the pending amendment. The IRS processes them as separate transactions, so you should still receive any refund you're entitled to for the current year. However, if you're worried about the $1,350 from last year, you might want to continue following up on that amended return until it's processed.

How exactly does this service work? Do they just give general advice or do they actually review your specific tax documents? I'm in a similar situation but with a much more complicated amended return involving some business expenses and I'm nervous about messing things up even more.

I'm skeptical about these kinds of services... are they actually legitimate? How much did it cost you? Seems like the kind of advice you could get for free from the IRS if you could actually get someone on the phone.

They do both general advice and specific document review. You upload your tax documents and they analyze them for your specific situation. For something like business expenses on an amended return, they'd help you understand how to properly document that on your current year taxes while the amendment is pending. Their pricing is reasonable for what you get - especially considering the headache it saves. While the IRS might provide this info for free, good luck getting someone knowledgeable on the phone these days. I spent hours on hold before finding this service, and the customized guidance was worth every penny to me.

Wait, how is this even possible? The IRS phone system is notoriously impossible to navigate. Does this actually work or is it just another scam trying to get money from desperate taxpayers?

I tried calling the IRS directly about my amended return from 2023 and was on hold for TWO HOURS before giving up. Is this service legit? Won't the IRS just hang up if it's not you who originally called?

It works because they use a system that dials continuously until it gets through, then their system holds your place in line. There's no trickery involved - when they connect you, you're speaking directly with the IRS, not through any intermediary. The IRS doesn't have any issues with this approach because you're still the one speaking with them once connected. They don't hang up - the service just navigates the initial phone system and holds your place in the queue. I was skeptical too, but after wasting entire afternoons on hold, I was happy to have someone else handle that part.

I've been using the "Where's My Amended Return" tool this whole time, but it just shows "received" and the date they got it. It's never updated beyond that in 8+ months, which is why I've been calling. Is there something else I should be checking?

That's unfortunately a common issue with the tool - it often gets stuck showing only "received" even when there's actually some processing happening behind the scenes. If it's been more than 20 weeks (which in your case it clearly has), then calling is indeed the right approach. One other thing to check is your IRS online account if you have one set up. Sometimes you can see more detailed status information there than through the "Where's My Amended Return" tool. Also, if you filed with a tax professional, they might have access to additional status information through their professional account.

Is that interest automatically calculated and added to the refund? Or do you have to specifically request it somehow? I've been waiting almost a year for my amended return to process!

The interest is automatically calculated and added to your refund when it's finally processed - you don't need to request it separately. The IRS calculates it from 45 days after they received your amended return until the date they issue the refund. After waiting almost a year, you should definitely be getting a decent amount of interest added to your refund! The current interest rate for individual overpayments is 8% annually, so that can really add up over months of delays. When you do eventually get your refund, it should show the interest amount separately on the payment details. Keep an eye out for it when your refund finally comes through.

I was able to get mine expedited for a similar reason. Call the IRS and specifically ask for a taxpayer advocate. Explain your hardship situation (needing a mortgage) and they can often help push it through faster. You'll need to be persistent though - don't take "we can't help" for an answer from the first-line phone representatives.

Thanks for the tip! Did you call the regular IRS number or is there a specific taxpayer advocate line? Also, how much faster did your return get processed after you got the advocate involved?