Is there rough timelines are how long does it take to process the prior year tax returns?

[rajuvvss]

Hello,

In May 2021, I had e-filed my 2020 Federal & CA State returns. Both got processed and refund received in 3-4 weeks. Issue is with my 2018 & 2019 returns. 

I have filed 2018 & 2019 tax returning by mailing the physical forms to IRS & CA state in May/June 2021. State returns got processed and refunds were e-deposited already. However, IRS site still shows that they don't see my federal returns returns yet. It is been already 3 months since I had mailed the forms and documents were delivered as per the USPS tracking. Not sure why are they not reflecting that status, say, returns received and yet to be processed. 

Can you please let me know how long does it take to process the prior year returns? Somewhere I read that it can take 16 weeks. Not sure on that. Please let me know.

[DoninGA]

The status of a federal tax refund on the IRS website will only reflect the status for the current tax year, 2020.  So the only way to find the status of a 2018 and 2019 federal tax refund is to contact the IRS and speak with an IRS agent.

The IRS is taking 6 months or longer to start the processing of mailed tax returns.

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.