The timeline depends on how you file and how the IRS processes your amended return

If you're waiting for a second refund, the time it takes depends on what triggered it. A refund from an amended return (Form 1040-X) typically takes 16 weeks from the date the IRS receives it. A refund from a correction the IRS made on your original return can take 8 to 12 weeks. A refund from claiming a credit you missed on an amended return follows the same 16-week window. The IRS processes these in the order they arrive, so filing early matters.

The 16-week timeline assumes the IRS doesn't find errors or need more information from you. If they do, the clock stops and restarts once you respond. Paper-filed amended returns take longer than e-filed ones—usually 4 to 6 weeks longer—because they have to be manually entered into the system first.

Key Takeaways

  • An amended return (Form 1040-X) filed electronically takes 16 weeks from receipt; paper-filed amended returns take 20 to 22 weeks.
  • If the IRS corrected an error on your original return without you filing an amendment, the refund typically arrives in 8 to 12 weeks.
  • The IRS processes amended returns in the order received, so filing as soon as you discover the error shortens your wait.
  • If the IRS requests additional information or documents, the processing clock pauses until you respond.
  • You can check the status of an amended return using the IRS Where's My Amended Return tool on IRS.gov.

Amended returns versus IRS corrections

A second refund usually means one of two things: you filed an amended return because you missed income, a deduction, or a credit, or the IRS found an error on your original return and corrected it themselves.

If you filed the amendment yourself, you're looking at 16 weeks for an e-filed Form 1040-X. The IRS counts this from the day they receive it, not the day you send it. If you mailed it, add 1 to 2 weeks for postal delivery before the clock starts. If you paper-filed it, add another 4 to 6 weeks because the IRS has to manually scan and enter it into their system before processing begins.

If the IRS found the error and corrected it on their end—usually because they matched your return against W-2s, 1099s, or other documents—you don't file an amendment. They issue the refund themselves, and this typically takes 8 to 12 weeks from the date they made the correction. You'll see a notice in the mail explaining what they changed.

Why some second refunds take longer than others

The IRS processes amended returns in a queue. If thousands of people file amendments in the same week, yours waits its turn. This is why filing early—as soon as you realize the error—matters. A Form 1040-X filed in February will be processed before one filed in October.

Certain situations add time. If your amended return claims a refund larger than your original return, the IRS flags it for review. This is automatic and adds 2 to 4 weeks. If you're claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) on an amended return, the IRS holds the refund until mid-February of the following year by law—even if processing finishes earlier. This is a compliance rule, not a processing delay.

If your amended return has math errors or missing information, the IRS will mail you a notice asking you to correct it. The processing clock stops. Once you respond and they receive your correction, the 16-week timer restarts. This can add 4 to 8 weeks total.

How to track your amended return status

The IRS offers a tool called Where's My Amended Return? on IRS.gov. You'll need your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount from your amended return. The tool updates every 24 hours and shows you whether the IRS has received your return, is processing it, or has issued the refund.

If you filed by mail and it's been more than 2 weeks, check the tool to see if the IRS has received it yet. If not, it may still be in the postal system or in the IRS intake queue. If it's been 3 weeks and the tool still shows nothing, contact the IRS at 800-829-1040 to confirm receipt.

The tool will not show a refund status if you filed your amended return less than 24 hours ago. It also won't show status if the IRS is still scanning paper returns into the system. If you don't see your return listed after 4 weeks, call the IRS or visit a local IRS office with a copy of your filed return.

What to do if your second refund is delayed beyond the expected timeline

If your e-filed amended return has been processing for more than 16 weeks, or your paper-filed return has been processing for more than 22 weeks, contact the IRS. Call 800-829-1040 and have your Social Security number, filing status, and the refund amount ready. The IRS can look up your return in their system and tell you whether it's still in queue, flagged for review, or waiting for information from you.

If the IRS is holding your refund because you claimed EITC or ACTC, they will not release it before mid-February. There is no way to expedite this. If your refund is being held for review because it's significantly larger than your original refund, the hold typically lasts 2 to 4 weeks. You cannot speed this up, but you can ask the IRS when they expect to complete the review.

If you filed an amended return and the IRS sent you a notice asking for more information, respond immediately. Mail your response to the address on the notice, not to the IRS office that processes returns. Keep a copy for your records. Once the IRS receives your response, processing resumes.

Direct deposit versus check for your second refund

If you requested direct deposit on your amended return, the refund goes to the bank account you listed. This takes 1 to 3 business days after the IRS releases the refund. If you requested a check, the IRS mails it to your address on file. Checks typically arrive 7 to 10 business days after the IRS issues them, though delivery varies by location.

If your original return was processed by direct deposit but your amended return requests a check, the IRS will mail the check. You cannot change the delivery method after you file the amended return. If you want direct deposit for your second refund, you must include your bank account and routing number on the Form 1040-X itself.

If your bank rejects the direct deposit—because the account is closed, the routing number is wrong, or the account holder's name doesn't match—the IRS will mail a check instead. This adds 7 to 10 days. The IRS will send you a notice explaining why the deposit failed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file an amended return before I receive my first refund?

Yes. You don't have to wait for your first refund to arrive before filing an amended return. If you discover an error before the IRS processes your original return, file the amendment right away. The IRS will process both returns and combine any refunds owed into a single payment.

What if I owe taxes on my amended return instead of getting a refund?

If your amendment shows you owe money instead of receiving a refund, you should pay as soon as possible to avoid interest and penalties. You can pay online through IRS.gov, by mail, or by phone. The IRS will not hold your payment; they process it immediately.

Does the IRS send a notice when my second refund is issued?

Yes. The IRS mails a notice (usually Form 1040-X with a cover letter) showing the changes they made and the refund amount. This notice arrives separately from the refund itself and typically comes 1 to 2 weeks after the refund is issued. If you don't receive a notice within 4 weeks of getting your refund, contact the IRS to confirm they processed your amendment.

What if my second refund never arrives?

If your refund was supposed to arrive by direct deposit and didn't show up after 3 business days, contact your bank first to confirm the deposit wasn't rejected. If the bank has no record of it, call the IRS at 800-829-1040 with your Social Security number and refund amount. If your check never arrived after 10 business days, the IRS can issue a replacement check or direct deposit.

Can I file multiple amended returns for the same tax year?

Yes, but only the most recent one counts. If you file a second amended return for the same year, the IRS processes only the latest version. File all corrections in one amended return if possible to avoid confusion and multiple processing delays.