IRS keeps saying "We cannot provide any information about your refund"

[john699]

I paper-filed my tax return in April so it has been way over 6 weeks now, but I keep checking on Where's My Refund and still getting the same message. I tried calling but also received the same message from the automated voicemail and I couldn't reach an agent to get it figured out. I am getting really concerned. What should I do before sending in the second return?

[xmasbaby0]

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 6-8 weeks for complete processing of a mailed return and probably  MUCH 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.

[john699]

@xmasbaby0  Appreciate the information. I just called again earlier and was put through to an agent, however, she said that she still couldn't find any information regarding my wife's ITIN application in the system so she could not say for sure whether it was being processed or not. She advised me to call back in 2-3 weeks. My concern now is that since it is almost the end of July and there is still no sign of my wife's ITIN, what should I do about my state tax return? I have learned that the state tax return would not be processed without an ITIN or SNS if filing jointly, so is it possible if I change my status to filing single now so I can e-file? 

[Joana35]

Hello I need help please I don’t received my second tax return the tip say they can’t found any information 

[DoninGA]

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@Joana35 wrote:

Hello I need help please I don’t received my second tax return the tip say they can’t found any information 

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What second tax refund?  What exactly are you trying to access?  Federal or State?  Only one refund is issued for the tax year unless you have filed an amended tax return that includes a refund.