Still waiting for IRS response after submitting 2019 1040X amendment (wrong filing status)

Based on your situation, it's not unusual to experience long wait times for amendments, especially for 2019 returns which were affected by IRS processing backlogs. The IRS is still working through a significant backlog of paper returns and amendments. For a 1040X amendment changing from 1040NR to 1040, the processing time can be particularly lengthy because it requires manual review by an IRS employee. Currently, amendments are taking anywhere from 12-16 months to process, so your 8-month wait is unfortunately still within the expected timeframe. I would recommend checking the "Where's My Amended Return" tool again in a few weeks. Sometimes amendments don't show up in the system until they begin processing them. If you want to be proactive, you can contact the IRS directly at 1-800-829-1040, but be prepared for long wait times. Also, make sure you kept copies of everything you submitted, including proof of mailing. This documentation will be important if you need to follow up further.

After dealing with a similar situation (different amendment reason but same waiting game), I found this AI tool that helped me understand exactly what was happening with my amended return. It's called taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai) and it basically analyzes all your tax documents and gives you insights on what's happening. I was frustrated because the "Where's My Amended Return" tool showed nothing for like 10 months, and when I called the IRS I got different answers each time. The taxr.ai system looked at my amendment documentation and explained why my particular amendment type had a longer processing time and gave me an estimated timeline based on current IRS backlogs. It also suggested some specific questions to ask when I called the IRS again. Might be worth checking out since your situation seems particularly complicated with the citizenship status correction. They have a feature that highlights potential issues that could cause delays.

I wanted to follow up - I tried taxr.ai and it was actually really helpful! I scanned my 1040X and the system immediately identified that I had made a mistake in Part III that was likely causing the delay. My explanation wasn't specific enough about why I was amending. They gave me exact wording to use on a new amendment and suggested I call the IRS with a specific reference to a procedural memo about 2019 amendments. When I called and mentioned this specific info, the IRS agent was way more helpful than previous calls! She confirmed my amended return was in the system but flagged for review due to incomplete explanation. I'm still waiting for final processing but at least now I know what's happening and have an estimated completion date. For anyone with complex amendments or status issues, definitely worth checking out.

Have you tried using Claimyr to get through to an actual IRS agent? I was in amendment hell for months and couldn't get a real person on the phone until I found this service. You can see how it works here: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c. Basically, Claimyr holds your place in the IRS phone queue and calls you back when they have an agent on the line. I was skeptical but went to their website https://claimyr.com and tried it out. After struggling for weeks to get through the regular IRS phone line, Claimyr got me talking with an actual IRS employee in about 45 minutes. The agent I spoke with was able to look up my amendment (which also wasn't showing in the online tool) and gave me specific information about why it was delayed and what I needed to do. Turns out there was a simple issue they needed clarification on, but they never sent a letter about it!

I have to admit I was wrong about Claimyr. After posting my skeptical comment, I was desperate enough to try it because my amended return from 2020 was in limbo for over a year. The service actually worked exactly as described. I got a call back in about an hour, and was connected with an IRS agent who could see my amendment in their system even though it wasn't showing online. Turns out they had sent a request for additional information to my old address, and when I didn't respond, my case was put into a holding pattern. The agent updated my address and reactivated the review. I received the letter within a week and was able to respond with the info they needed. My amendment was processed about 6 weeks later. For anyone dealing with amendment issues, especially older ones like 2019, I'd seriously recommend trying this. Saved me months of additional waiting and uncertainty.

One thing nobody has mentioned - have you checked the IRS account transcript for 2019? Log into your IRS online account and pull the account transcript (not the return transcript) for 2019. Sometimes there are codes on there that indicate they received your amendment and what's happening with it, even when the "Where's My Amended Return" tool shows nothing. Look for Transaction Code 971 (notice issued) or 970 (amendment received). These might give you clues about what's happening. I had a similar situation where my amended return disappeared into the void, but the transcript had codes showing they had questions.

Just wanted to add that I had a similar issue with a 2019 amendment that took nearly 14 months to process. What finally worked for me was contacting my congressional representative's office. They have caseworkers specifically for dealing with federal agencies like the IRS. I filled out a privacy release form, explained my situation, and within 3 weeks, I got a call from the IRS about my amendment. Apparently it had been sitting in a queue waiting for review, but the congressional inquiry bumped it up for attention. It still took another month to actually process after that, but at least I got information and resolution. Might be worth trying if you've already waited 8+ months with no updates.