How do you check the status of an amended tax return?

To check the status of a federal amended income tax return, taxpayers can call an automated phone line, go to a local Internal Revenue Service office or use the online Where's My Amended Return? tool, according to the IRS. Information is updated once a day for all these sources.

The IRS recommends waiting at least three weeks after mailing the 1040X to begin checking its status, and amended returns can take up to 16 weeks to process. The Where's My Amended Return? tool on the IRS website and the toll-free automated line, reached by calling 866-464-2050, are both available 24 hours a day. The IRS website provides locations and hours for local offices for taxpayers who prefer interacting with a live person.