The IRS sends a second refund when it finds an error on your return or processes an amended return you filed

A second tax refund usually means one of three things: the IRS corrected a mistake on your original return, you filed an amended return (Form 1040-X) to claim something you missed, or the IRS applied a credit or adjustment after your first refund went out. The timing depends on which situation applies to you.

If the IRS made the correction on its own, you'll see a notice in the mail explaining what changed. If you filed the amended return yourself, the IRS processes it separately from your original return, which is why the money comes in a second payment rather than all at once.

Key Takeaways

  • A second refund typically arrives 8 to 12 weeks after the IRS processes an amended return you filed, or 4 to 6 weeks after the IRS corrects an error it found on your original return.
  • The IRS sends a notice (usually Form 1040-X or a letter) before or with the second refund, explaining what changed and why you're receiving additional money.
  • You can track a second refund using the IRS Where's My Refund tool by entering your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount from your original return.
  • If you filed an amended return, the IRS will not process it until your original return is fully processed, so filing an amendment too early can delay both refunds.
  • A second refund can also arrive if the IRS applied an Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Child Tax Credit that wasn't on your original return, or if it corrected your income or withholding information.

How long an amended return takes to process

If you filed Form 1040-X (Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return), expect the second refund in 8 to 12 weeks from the date the IRS receives your amendment. This is longer than a standard refund because the IRS has to match your amendment to your original return, verify the changes, and recalculate your tax liability.

The IRS processes amended returns in the order it receives them, not by priority. If you file your amendment early in the tax season (January or February), it may sit in a queue for weeks before processing begins. If you file late in the season (October or November), it may process faster simply because the volume is lower.

You can check the status of an amended return by calling the IRS at 800-829-1040 and providing your Social Security number and the tax year. The IRS cannot give you a specific date, but it can tell you whether the return has been received and whether processing has started.

When the IRS corrects an error on your original return

If the IRS found a mistake on your return—such as a math error, a mismatched Social Security number, or an income figure that doesn't match what your employer reported—it will send you a notice and a second refund. This usually takes 4 to 6 weeks from the date the IRS processes the correction.

The IRS sends Form 1040-X or a letter explaining the change before the refund arrives, or sometimes both arrive together. Read the notice carefully, because it tells you exactly what the IRS changed and why. If you disagree with the correction, you have 60 days from the date of the notice to contact the IRS or file a formal protest.

Corrections for math errors, missing information, or mismatched income are usually processed automatically without requiring any action from you. The refund will be deposited to the same account or address you provided on your original return.

Credits and adjustments that arrive as a second payment

Sometimes the IRS processes your return, sends your first refund, and then applies a credit or adjustment that results in a second refund. This happens most often with the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or the Child Tax Credit, which the IRS may verify or adjust after your return is filed.

The IRS also sends a second refund if it corrects your withholding information, adjusts your income based on a W-2 or 1099 that arrived late, or applies a payment you made after filing. Each of these situations triggers a separate refund check or direct deposit.

You'll receive a notice explaining the adjustment before the second refund arrives. The notice will show the original refund amount, the adjustment, and the new refund amount. Keep this notice with your tax records in case you need to reference it later.

How to track a second refund using Where's My Refund

The IRS Where's My Refund tool works for second refunds, but you need to know which refund amount to enter. Go to irs.gov, click "Where's My Refund," and enter your Social Security number, filing status, and the refund amount from your original return, not the second one.

The tool will show you the status of your original refund first. Once that refund has been processed and sent, you can check again using the amount of the second refund to track its status. The tool updates once per day, usually overnight.

If the tool says "Still processing" for your original refund, your second refund has not yet been issued. The IRS must complete the original return before it can process amendments or corrections. If more than 21 days have passed since you filed and the tool still shows "Still processing," call 800-829-1040 to speak with a representative.

Why filing an amended return too early delays both refunds

If you file an amended return before your original return is fully processed, the IRS will hold both returns and process them together. This can add 2 to 4 weeks to your timeline because the IRS has to match the amendment to the original, verify both, and then issue both refunds.

The safest approach is to wait until you receive your first refund or a notice that your original return has been processed before filing an amendment. You can check the status of your original return using Where's My Refund or by calling the IRS. Once you see "Refund sent" or receive a notice, you can file the amendment without delaying either refund.

If you've already filed an amendment before your original return was processed, you cannot withdraw it. The IRS will process both together, and you'll receive both refunds once processing is complete. There's no way to speed this up, but it will happen within the normal 8 to 12 week window for amended returns.

What to do if your second refund doesn't arrive on time

If 12 weeks have passed since you filed an amended return, or 6 weeks since the IRS sent you a correction notice, and you haven't received the second refund, call the IRS at 800-829-1040. Have your Social Security number, filing status, and the amount of the second refund ready.

The IRS can tell you whether the refund was issued and, if so, whether it was mailed or deposited. If it was deposited, ask for the date and check your bank account to see if it arrived under a different name or account. If it was mailed, ask for the date it was sent and allow 5 to 7 business days for it to arrive.

If the IRS says the refund was issued but you never received it, you can file a claim for a missing refund using Form 3115 or by calling the IRS. The IRS will investigate and either reissue the refund or credit it to your next year's return. This process takes 60 to 90 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get both refunds at the same time instead of waiting for a second one?

No. If you're owed a second refund because you filed an amended return or the IRS found an error, the refunds are processed separately and arrive at different times. The only way to receive them together is to file your amended return before your original return is processed, but this delays both refunds and is not recommended.

What if I filed an amended return but the IRS hasn't sent the first refund yet?

The IRS will hold both your original return and your amended return and process them together. This typically takes 8 to 12 weeks from the date the IRS receives your amendment. You'll receive both refunds once processing is complete, but the timeline will be longer than if you had waited for the first refund to arrive.

Does a second refund get deposited to the same account as the first one?

Yes, unless you changed your banking information or the account is no longer active. If the account is closed or the routing number is wrong, the IRS will mail a check instead. You'll receive a notice explaining how the refund was sent.

Can I use Where's My Refund to track an amended return?

Yes, but only after your original return has been processed. Enter your original refund amount first to confirm it was sent. Once that's done, you can check again using the amount of your second refund to track the amended return.

What if the IRS corrected my return but I disagree with the change?

You have 60 days from the date of the IRS notice to file a protest or contact the IRS to dispute the correction. Call 800-829-1040 and explain why you disagree. The IRS will review your case, and if you're right, it will reverse the correction and adjust your refund accordingly.