How do I know if I need to amend my return.

Do not amend your return.  

The staffing of the IRS is likely going to cause a lot of delays for early tax filers. The reason is simple: with many IRS workers stuck at home or sick due to the pandemic, there will be delays.

Combine that with the additional stimulus checks (which require staffing and programming to send out), and the last minute tax changes that passed in December (which also require programming and testing), the IRS is stretched to the limits.

In 2021, the IRS will began e-File on February 12, 2021. That's the latest start to tax season we've ever seen.

However, if you're mailing documents to the IRS, expect massive delays. It took months and months to clear through the backlog in 2020, and the IRS is still delayed on taking care of mail returns. 

Furthermore, if you have any issues with your return, such as requests for information or updates, you'll be stuck waiting as well. Staffing around the pandemic are really going to delay anything that requires an actual human to work on.

You can go to the IRS site Where's My Refund to find the status of your tax return.    

For information on when you can expect your stimulus payment, check the IRS Get My Payment tool which will be updated starting the week of March 15th.