I mailed my federal income tax return on May 17th and also my state. The state website says they have received them but the IRS says they do not have any record???

[jeckels618]

I have my receipt from the post office for both. So what is going on with the IRS? I know good and well they received it on May 20th. Tracking number shows it was delivered. Are they that backed up??

[xmasbaby0]

Yes---they are that backlogged.  It is taking months for the IRS to process mailed returns.

MAILED RETURNS

Per the IRS:

COVID-19 Mail Processing Delays

It’s taking us longer to process mailed documents including:

• Paper tax returns, and
• All tax return related correspondence.

We are processing all mail in the order we received it.

Do not file a second tax return or call the IRS.

 It can take 3-4 weeks  (or a LOT longer since the IRS is severely backlogged) for anything to show up on the IRS site when you mail a tax return.  Expect at least several months for complete processing of a mailed return and probably MUCH longer.

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 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

If you are wondering if you should send your return again——the IRS does not want you to file a second time.   Putting two tax returns into the system at the same time can lead to confusion and even more delays.   If you did not use tracking and do not know if the return was received—-you have to make your own judgement call and decide if you want to risk further delay by sending the return again.

[jeckels618]

Thank you for your response. Yes, I have a USPS Priority mail tracking number showing the taxes were delivered...but nothing showing on their website they received it. More than likely that site Where's My Refund does not get updated until they start processing the return, until then, it shows as though they do not have it.

Looks like I will get in line with the rest of US citizens and wait it out. Thanks again.

[psubedi2026]

Seems IRS is leaving  a lot of tax filers on a limbo.    We can't tell if tax we mailed have been received or is in their inbox or need to file again.    Why doesn't IRS at least scan all mails envelops received  (outside w/ addresses only),  capture name/addresses of filers using OCR technology in an automated fashion then allow us to search online.   For majority of us that will give confidence that our envelop is with IRS. That way, we make more informed decision whether to file again.