The IRS says that “We are not currently able to process individual paper tax returns due to the COVID-19 outbreak.” They continue:
”The IRS is not currently able to process individual paper tax returns. If you already have filed via paper but it has not yet been processed, do not file a second tax return or write to the IRS to inquire about the status of your return or your economic impact payment. Paper returns will be processed once processing centers are able to reopen.”
I filed my taxes via paper mail. Since my return is sitting in mailbox not to be touched/processed for potentially weeks, can I just file again but use e-file? If not, why? I understand that means my paper mail will be rejected once they process it, but given the unclear timeline for reopening and processing paper checks, I don’t want to have to wait potentially months for them to open my letter and process my refund. In addition, since I was a dependent last year, and not this year, it affects whether or not I get a stimulus payment. In other words, I need it reviewed now, and don’t see why the eventual rejection letter for my paper mail tax return is an issue?
So I gotta wait till the covid 19 is over before I get my tax refund
You could try to efile the return ... if the paper return was already entered into the system then it will reject.
I'm in the same boat. It's frustrating because it's not possible to speak with a live IRS representative to ask how to proceed. We'll probably just have to wait it out.
I just found this on IRS.gov:
"Paper Tax Returns: All taxpayers should file electronically through their tax preparer, tax software provider or IRS Free File if possible. The IRS is not currently able to process individual paper tax returns. If you already have filed via paper but it has not yet been processed, do not file a second tax return or write to the IRS to inquire about the status of your return or your economic impact payment. Paper returns will be processed once processing centers are able to reopen. This year, more than 90% of taxpayers have filed electronically."