How do I confirm that the IRS received my paper mailed tax return?

[brycatanz]

I would like to confirm that the IRS received my tax return that was paper mailed.

[ChondelLO]

The IRS asks you to wait 4 weeks after you mail your return before looking up your refund at Where's My Refund?

The "Where's My Refund" tool, located at https://www.irs.gov/refunds, follows your tax return from receipt to completion. It will tell you when your return is in received status and if your refund is in approved or sent status.

The IRS releases most refunds within 21 calendar days after the e-filed return has been accepted. For mailed returns, allow 5–6 weeks from the postmark date.

For more information please click the link below.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/replies/5340655

[Tyrelltaylor]

I mailed my refund but don’t know what’s going on

[SusanY1]

Currently, unless you sent it with a tracking number to show delivery you cannot check on the status of a paper filed return currently.  

The IRS is closed and is not processing these returns at this time.  They will resume processing when they return to normal operations.  It is not currently known when that will be.  

@tyrelltaylor

[Tyrelltaylor]

So basically me and my kids are screwed and los our home cause of this

[hawaii6200]

I mailed my paper tax return on Feb 23rd or 24th 2019. I have heard nothing back and have used the IRS "where is my refund" program many times. How do I know if the IRS even received it? And how can I get any response from the IRS.

[VolvoGirl]

They just started opening the mail that has been stacking up in trailers. You have to keep waiting.

See this IRS page for the latest information

https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-operations-during-covid-19-mission-critical-functions-continue

[johenc47]

I filed my return in February however I missed the 1095 and had to send it later.  I did  that the first part of March.  Now, I have not received my refund and do not know the status of my tax return.  How can I find that out?

[chrisjc-williams]

I mailed in my tax return July 13 with a response verification, but have not received a response. Using the "Where's My Tax Return" online service responds with me not having put in the correct information. Is it still the case that I am unable to determine if a mailed in paper return has been received?

[DoninGA]

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@chrisjc-williams wrote:

I mailed in my tax return July 13 with a response verification, but have not received a response. Using the "Where's My Tax Return" online service responds with me not having put in the correct information. Is it still the case that I am unable to determine if a mailed in paper return has been received?

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The IRS was not processing any mailed paper tax returns for several months due to the pandemic and limited staffing.  They have only just recently started to process approximately 11 million paper returns in the order they were received.

Go to this IRS website for information - https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-operations-during-covid-19-mission-critical-functions-continue

We’re experiencing delays in processing paper tax returns due to limited staffing. If you already filed a paper return, we will process it in the order we received it.

Do not file a second tax return or contact the IRS about the status of your return.

[SEBCICITTA]

DID IRS RECEIVE MY 2019 TAX RETURN

[xmasbaby0]

@SEBCICITTA 

Did you mail your tax return?

MAILED RETURNS

The IRS has just started to work through millions of mailed returns that have been piling up in trailers during the pandemic.  All you can do is watch the IRS refund site to see when your return makes it to the surface and goes into processing. Sorry.

Per the IRS website IRS Operations During COVID-19: Mission-critical functions continue:

IRS operational status and alternatives

Processing Delays for Paper Tax Returns: Taxpayers should file electronically through their tax preparer, tax software provider, or IRS Free File. 

We’re experiencing delays in processing paper tax returns due to limited staffing. If you already filed a paper return, we will process it in the order we received it.

Do not file a second tax return or contact the IRS about the status of your return.

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 finally opens its mail and begins to process mailed returns you can check the status on the IRS site. https://www.irs.gov/refunds

Or did you e-file?

Did you click a big orange button that said “Transmit my returns now?”

When you e-file your federal return you will receive two emails from TurboTax.  The first one will say that your return was submitted.  The second email will tell you if your federal return was accepted or rejected.  If you e-filed a state return, there will be a third email to tell you if the state accepted or rejected your state return.

First, check your e-file status to see if your return was accepted:

https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tools/efile-status-lookup/

If the IRS accepted it, what does it say here? 

https://www.irs.gov/refunds           Or does your account say “Ready to Mail?”

Note: If it says “Ready to Mail” or “Printed” that means YOU have to mail it yourself.  TurboTax does not mail your tax return for you.

[DJ506]

is there a way (or a number to call) to verify with the IRS that my tax return was received?

[xmasbaby0]

@DJ506 Did you read the reply that is directly above your own question? If not, then return to the thread and read.

[DoninGA]

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@DJ506 wrote:

is there a way (or a number to call) to verify with the IRS that my tax return was received?

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If you did use a tracking service from the post office when you mailed the federal tax return, there is no way to verify that the return was received by the IRS.  There is no IRS phone to call to verify that the return was received.

The IRS was not processing any mailed paper tax returns for several months due to the pandemic and limited staffing.  They have only just recently started to process approximately 11 million paper returns in the order they were received.

Go to this IRS website for information - https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-operations-during-covid-19-mission-critical-functions-continue

We’re experiencing delays in processing paper tax returns due to limited staffing. If you already filed a paper return, we will process it in the order we received it.

Do not file a second tax return or contact the IRS about the status of your return.