Is it better to mail or electronically file my Amended tax return for faster processing?

Thanks for the info! Do you know if there are any situations where mailing might actually be better? Like if I need to include a lot of documentation or something? Also, if I e-file, do I still need to mail in any of the supporting docs separately?

There are a few specific situations where paper filing might be necessary. If your amended return is for a tax year before 2019, you'll have to file by mail as e-filing isn't available for those years. Also, if you need to attach documentation that can't be digitized properly or if your situation is extremely complex with multiple forms or schedules that the e-file system doesn't support, paper might be your only option. For standard e-filed amended returns, you can attach PDF versions of your supporting documentation directly through the tax software - no need to mail anything separately. Just scan any paper documents and attach them to your electronic submission. This keeps everything together and helps prevent processing delays.

How exactly does it work? Does it actually help with filling out the amended return or just tells you whether to mail or e-file?

I'm a bit skeptical about these tax tools. Did you have to upload all your personal tax info? I'm always worried about security with these kinds of services.

It helps with the entire process - it reviews your original return alongside your amended calculations and identifies any inconsistencies or errors before you submit. The system flags potential audit triggers too, which gave me peace of mind since amended returns can have higher audit risk. Regarding security, they use bank-level encryption and don't store your documents after analysis. You upload PDFs of your tax documents and the AI analyzes them, but nothing is saved permanently. I was hesitant too, but their security page explains everything in detail, and they're SOC 2 compliant which is the security standard for financial services.

How does that even work? Do they have some special line to the IRS or something? I've literally spent hours on hold multiple times trying to reach someone.

Sounds like BS honestly. Nobody can magically get through to the IRS faster. They probably just keep you on hold the same as everyone else and charge you for the privilege.

They use automated technology that navigates the IRS phone system and waits on hold for you. When they reach a live agent, you get a call connecting you directly. No special access - they're just using tech to handle the most frustrating part. I was super skeptical too! I figured it would be the same wait just with me paying for it. But their system keeps dialing and navigating the menu options when calls drop, which is what makes it work. They only charge if they actually connect you to an agent. I was connected in about 20 minutes when I had been trying for days on my own.

Thank you all for the great advice! I'm going with e-filing for sure now. My amendment is pretty straightforward - just forgot to include some charitable donations. Does anyone know if there's a way to check the status of an e-filed amended return online? Or do I just have to wait?

Yes, you can definitely check the status online! Go to the IRS website and use the "Where's My Amended Return?" tool. You'll need to enter your SSN, date of birth, and zip code. It takes about 3 weeks for an e-filed amended return to show up in their system. Once it shows up, the tracking will tell you if your return is received, adjusted, or completed. The tool updates weekly, usually on Thursdays, so don't worry if you don't see updates every day. It's a great way to keep tabs on where things stand without having to call.

This is really important advice! I'd also recommend taking screenshots of any confirmation screens when you e-file. My tax software said my amended return was accepted, but when I checked the IRS site 4 weeks later, they had no record of it. Had to resubmit everything.