What happens when you amend your taxes?

When you modify a tax return, it can take up to 16 weeks to process, even if you file it electronically. If you file an amended return, the refund should appear on the original return. Then, if your refund is higher due to the change, you'll get the difference between the original and modified amounts. We've made an adjustment to your account.

The adjustment will result in a refund, the balance will be due, or there will be no change in taxes. In general, it takes eight to 12 weeks for the IRS to process an amended return, but it can take up to 16 weeks, depending on the accumulation of amended returns by the IRS. The IRS reports that you generally must file Form 1040X to modify a return within three years of the date you filed your original tax return, or within two years of the date you paid the tax, whichever is later. An amended return can take three weeks to appear in the IRS system and more than 20 weeks to process an amended return.

In addition, your originally filed tax return must have been filed electronically so that your amended return can be filed electronically. Filers can check the status of an amended return filed on paper or electronically using Form 1040-X using the online tool Where Is My Amended Return (WMAR) or the toll-free number 866-464-2050 three weeks after filing the return. That's why many people turn to a tax advisor to file amended returns, even if they normally prepare their own returns. Not all tax software vendors support electronic filing of amended returns for purposes other than the current year.

Here's how to file a Form 1040-X with the IRS, when to amend a tax return, and other rules you should know. You should contact your preferred tax software vendor to verify your participation and receive the specific instructions needed to file your amended return and answer any questions. Be sure to attach a copy of your amended federal return (Form 1040-X) to your amended state return, if required by the state, as is often the case. If the error is the preparer's fault, who pays for an amended tax return may depend on the drafting of your agreement with the customer.