Once you mail the return, and wait for it to be delivered to the IRS, it can take at least four weeks for a human to open the envelope containing your return, and then you have to wait for the IRS to process the return, which can take several weeks or more.
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. Use a mailing service that will track it, such as certified mail so you will know the IRS/state received the return.
Federal and state returns must be in separate envelopes and they are mailed to different addresses. Read the mailing instructions that print with your tax return carefully so you mail them to the right addresses.