I submitted a 1040X with 1040NR, how can I tell if IRS processed it yet?

I accidentally filed my taxes using form 1040 through Sprintax, later realizing that as a non-resident alien I should have used 1040NR instead. So I had to send in a paper 1040X amendment along with the correct 1040NR form. Unlike my original filing, this amended return doesn't include a refund (actually I owed a bit more). It's been about 6 weeks since I mailed everything, and I have no idea if the IRS has even received my paperwork, let alone processed it. I tried checking "Where's My Amended Return" on the IRS website but it's not showing anything. I also tried calling but got stuck in the automated system. Is there any way to confirm if my 1040X with 1040NR has been processed? I'm really worried about potential penalties if something got lost in the mail or if there's a problem with my submission. Any advice would be appreciated!

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18 comments

Kayla Morgan

•8M

Checking on amended returns can definitely be frustrating, especially when there's no refund involved. For amended returns (1040X), the IRS typically takes about 16 weeks (4 months) to process them - and that's under normal circumstances. With ongoing backlogs, it could take even longer. Since you mailed it only 6 weeks ago, it's actually normal that the "Where's My Amended Return" tool isn't showing anything yet. The system usually doesn't update until your return has been entered into their system, which can take 3+ weeks just for that initial step. For non-refund amendments, you have a few options to check status: 1) Keep checking the "Where's My Amended Return" tool every couple weeks, 2) Create an account on IRS.gov to view your tax records, which might show the update sooner, or 3) Request a tax transcript, which would eventually show if your amendment was processed. If you're concerned about penalties, keep proof that you mailed your amendment (certified mail receipt if you have it). As long as you filed the amendment promptly after discovering the error, the IRS is generally reasonable about waiving penalties.

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Kayla Morgan

•8M

Creating an IRS online account will give you access to your tax records, but it won't necessarily show pending amendments immediately. The account shows your tax transcripts, which typically only update once the amendment has been processed and posted to your account. For pending amendments, the "Where's My Amended Return" tool is still your best bet, but you need to be patient as it might not show up in their system for several weeks after mailing. The online account is still useful though because once the amendment is processed, you'll be able to see the changes reflected in your tax transcripts without having to call the IRS.

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Jasmine Hancock

•8M

I was in a similar situation with an amended return and found https://taxr.ai super helpful. I scanned all my documents (1040X and supporting forms) and uploaded them to get an analysis of what was going on. The AI explained exactly what would happen with my amendment and even gave me a timeline prediction based on current IRS processing trends. What I liked most was that it parsed through the form details and pointed out a mistake I made in one of the sections that might have delayed processing. Saved me from potential headaches down the road! It also explained what triggers would put me at risk for further review, which gave me peace of mind since my case was straightforward.

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Jasmine Hancock

•8M

It doesn't check actual processing status with the IRS directly - you're right that only the IRS has that information. What it does is analyze your documents to identify potential processing delays or issues before submission, and it provides estimated timelines based on current IRS processing trends. The real value I found was in catching errors I made that would have definitely delayed processing. It pointed out inconsistencies across my forms and sections where my math didn't add up correctly. It can't tell you "the IRS received your forms on X date" but it helps you understand what to expect and why you might be experiencing delays.

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Scarlett Forster

•8M

I tried taxr.ai after seeing it mentioned here, and I'm actually surprised how helpful it was. I had a complicated amendment situation with foreign income and rental property. The tool analyzed my entire package of documents and flagged inconsistencies between my 1040X and supporting schedules that I completely missed. What impressed me most was the detailed explanation of how the IRS would likely process my amendment based on the specific codes and line items I included. Turns out I had incorrectly reported some income that would have triggered extra scrutiny. Fixed those issues before sending in my amendment. My amended return was processed in 12 weeks instead of the 16+ weeks I was expecting based on previous experiences. Definitely worth the time.

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Arnav Bengali

•8M

If you're really worried and need to get through to a human at the IRS, try https://claimyr.com - it's what I used after trying for WEEKS to reach someone about my amended return. They basically hold your place in the IRS phone queue and call you when you're about to connect with an agent. Saved me hours of listening to that awful hold music! I was skeptical it would work, but you can see how it works in this video: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c. For amended returns, sometimes talking to a real person is the only way to get accurate status info, especially when the online tools aren't showing anything yet. The IRS agent I spoke with was able to confirm they had received my 1040X even though it wasn't showing online yet.

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Arnav Bengali

•8M

The service works by using automated technology to navigate the IRS phone tree and wait on hold for you. They don't have special access - they just have a system that can stay on hold indefinitely, which most humans don't have patience for. When an IRS agent finally picks up, their system calls you and connects you directly to the agent. They don't need any of your tax details to do this. All they need is your phone number to call you back when an agent is available. You share your tax information directly with the IRS agent, not with the service. I was skeptical too until I tried it - ended up getting through to an IRS rep after my call had been on hold for over 2 hours, but I only had to talk once I was actually connected to a human.

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Scarlett Forster

•8M

I have to admit I was completely wrong about Claimyr. After my skeptical comment, I decided to try it as a last resort since my amended return wasn't showing up online after 8 weeks. The service actually worked exactly as advertised - I got a call back when an IRS agent was on the line. The agent confirmed they had received my 1040X but it was sitting in a processing queue and hadn't been entered into their computer system yet (which is why it wasn't showing online). She gave me a rough timeframe of when it would likely be processed and noted on my account that I had called to check on it. The peace of mind was worth it, and I didn't have to waste half a day on hold. Never thought I'd be recommending something like this, but it genuinely solved my problem.

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Rachel Tao

•8M

Unfortunately, without certified mail or some other tracking, it's difficult to prove when you sent it after the fact. For your current amendment, your best options now are checking the "Where's My Amended Return" tool periodically or contacting the IRS directly to confirm receipt. For future reference, always use certified mail with return receipt for any tax documents. The small cost (usually around $5-7) is absolutely worth the peace of mind. Keep the receipt permanently with your tax records. If the IRS ever questions when you submitted something, that green card receipt is golden proof that they can't dispute.

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