How to check the status of a mailed paper return you already sent?

[19552]

I mailed my 1120 tax return with a check for tax due on 6-15-20 and my check has not been cashed and I believe my return is lost

[xmasbaby0]

@19552 MAILED RETURNS

The IRS has just started to work through millions of mailed returns that have been piling up in trailers during the pandemic.  All you can do is watch the IRS refund site to see when your return makes it to the surface and goes into processing. Sorry.

Per the IRS website IRS Operations During COVID-19: Mission-critical functions continue:

IRS operational status and alternatives

Processing Delays for Paper Tax Returns: Taxpayers should file electronically through their tax preparer, tax software provider, or IRS Free File. 

We’re experiencing delays in processing paper tax returns due to limited staffing. If you already filed a paper return, we will process it in the order we received it.

Do not file a second tax return or contact the IRS about the status of your return.

If  you mail a tax return (or a payment) to the IRS, it is a good idea to use a mailing service that will track it like UPS or certified mail so you will know it was received.

When you mail a tax return, you need to attach any documents showing tax withheld, such as your W-2’s or any 1099’s. 

TurboTax will not know anything about your mailed return, and will continue to show “Ready to Mail” on your account.  TurboTax will not know that you put your tax return in an envelope and took it to a mailbox.  TurboTax does not get updates on mailed  (or e-filed) returns.

When the IRS finally opens its mail and begins to process mailed returns you can check the status on the IRS site. https://www.irs.gov/refunds

State returns have to be mailed to the state.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1899433-how-do-i-track-my-state-refund

https://www.cnn.com/2020/04/20/politics/irs-mail-trailers-covid/index.html

[toshajacks]

We get it.  It would be nice if you have to do a return for a child it was possible to do it electronically where an adult could sign it. 

[DoninGA]

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@toshajacks wrote:

We get it.  It would be nice if you have to do a return for a child it was possible to do it electronically where an adult could sign it. 

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IRS regulations allow a federal tax return to be e-filed by anyone age 16 or older.  If under the age of 16, the IRS requires that the federal tax return to be mailed.

[xmasbaby0]

@toshajacks Sorry--it does not work that way.  A child's return cannot be e-filed.  Not sure what your question has to do with this thread.  If your child's return was mailed, you will have to wait until it surfaces at the IRS and shows up on the IRS refund site.

[toshajacks]

You don't have to apologize because my comment was about the IRS's process/procedures and since I have been doing this for years I know how it works.   And a child's tax return can be e-filed.  I have done that before too a couple of times.  So perhaps before you start replying you should have your facts straight since you don't.

And since you obviously took 1 comment and didn't bother reading any other ones you would know that I mailed my child's return this year, which is why I am in this thread and commented based on that and the IRS's recommendation to e-file when they make it unwise to do so with a child's return, so they shouldn't make a blanket statement like that when in certain scenarios you cannot or should not.

If you don't know why someone is commenting perhaps instead of being high & mighty you should just not comment since apparently this thread doesn't apply to you, unless you mailed your return. 

[toshajacks]

My child is 11.  I e-filed his returns when he was 6 and 7.  The IRS had no problem accepting the e-files and processed his returns as normal.  When I contacted them about an amendment they had no problems with it being e-filed only that if there was an issue I would have a problem discussing it since I wasn't listed on his returns. 

[DoninGA]

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@toshajacks wrote:

My child is 11.  I e-filed his returns when he was 6 and 7.  The IRS had no problem accepting the e-files and processed his returns as normal.  When I contacted them about an amendment they had no problems with it being e-filed only that if there was an issue I would have a problem discussing it since I wasn't listed on his returns. 

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You are correct.  For Primary Taxpayers under age 16 who have filed previously, the tax return can be e-filed.

However, Primary Taxpayers under age 16 by the end of the current tax year who have never filed are not eligible to e-file a tax return.

[toshajacks]

Actually his very 1st tax return was e-filed then his 2nd.   So they accepted the 1st two.  I have used Turbo Tax for years before that and never received a no.  That's why I think for signatures you should have an option to use the pin or "sign" it on the form then e-file it.  But you can't do it for state either on California's website either so I have to deal with the pain of mailing it. 

[Paxton boy]

How do I get my check I mail my text off April 4

[VolvoGirl]

Sorry the IRS has limited staff due to Covid-19.  They just started opening the mail in June that's been stacking up. Back in March the IRS closed their processing centers and stopped processing mailed tax returns.  An IRS spokesperson recently said that they have about 11 million pieces of unopened mail.  So you have to keep waiting.

See this IRS page for the latest information

https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-operations-during-covid-19-mission-critical-functions-continue

Is it showing up at IRS Where's my refund yet?

https://www.irs.gov/refunds/

Make sure you are using the refund amount from your actual federal tax return and not the combined amount Turbo Tax showed you at the end.  That was for federal and state combined.

[VolvoGirl]

Sorry the IRS has limited staff due to Covid-19.  They just started opening the mail in June that's been stacking up. Back in March the IRS closed their processing centers and stopped processing mailed tax returns.  An IRS spokesperson recently said that they have about 11 million pieces of unopened mail.  So you have to keep waiting.

See this IRS page for the latest information

https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-operations-during-covid-19-mission-critical-functions-continue

[davidharrycarnahan]

Did you ever get a response on this?

[toshajacks]

Refunds should be coming soon.  My son got his 2 weeks ago. 

[cssosenko]

I mailed in my return on April 23, 2020.  The state of Michigan processed the state return in 3 weeks.  The IRS still has not processed it.  Which in return means that I have not received my return nor my stimulus check.  When I use the web site to check the status it tells me that they can not give me any information.  So since for some reason the IRS was not considered essential I am getting screwed and need my money.  Why is it that they don't have to process returns in a timely manner but if I owed them money I would have to be on time.

Time is running out to be able to get my stimulus check this year and I won't be filing a return for 2020.  I need help and I need answers ASAP.