I filed my 2019 taxes late in November of 2020 by paper via US mail. I never received my refund. I don't know what to do

[bghanlin-uab-edu]

The IRS website does not provide a status on my refund, as if it was never received. I do not know how to get my refund for 2019. Do I try to add it to my 2020 refund?

[DoninGA]

You cannot add a prior year tax refund to the current tax year return.

You will need to contact the IRS for the status of the 2019 federal tax refund.

Call the IRS: 1-800-829-1040 hours 7 AM - 7 PM local time Monday-Friday
When calling the IRS do NOT choose the first option re: "Refund", or it will send you to an automated phone line.
So after first choosing your language, then do NOT choose Option 1 (refund info). Choose option 2 for "personal income tax" instead.
Then press 1 for "form, tax history, or payment".
Then press 3 "for all other questions."
Then press 2 "for all other questions."
- When it asks you to enter your SSN or EIN to access your account information, don't enter anything.
- After it asks twice, you will get another menu.

Press 2 for personal or individual tax questions.
Then press 4 for all other inquiries
It should then transfer you to an agent.
Or you can contact your local IRS office. See this IRS website for local IRS offices - http://www.irs.gov/uac/Contact-Your-Local-IRS-Office-1 or call 1-844-545-5640 to set up an appointment

[SweetieJean]

There is a still a backlog of several million 2019 returns being processed at the IRS due to the COVID shutdown, and others are getting that same message. The IRS has advised patience, and asked folks not to call them.