IRS could have lost my 2019 federal return. I mailed it in early march 2020. I received my state return, but not my federal. What do I do?

[DoninGA]

The IRS is not processing any type of paper tax returns at this time.

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

The IRS is not currently able to process individual paper tax returns. If you already have filed via paper but it has not yet been processed, do not file a second tax return or write to the IRS to inquire about the status of your return or your Economic Impact Payment. Paper returns will be processed   once processing centers are able to reopen.

[btimjani]

I mailed our joint return for 2019 on July 15,2020.  I was expecting a refund.  I have never gotten the refund and today October 26, 2020 I logged in to the IRS website and asked for a verification of non-filing.  The letter that generated states there is no record that they received our tax return for 2019.  That's over 4 months.  I can't get any human at the IRS to be on the phone with me and no where else to ask.  I was told it may take UP TO 16 weeks to process a paper return submitted by mail, now that we're over 16 weeks so I assume it's been lost in the mail or at the IRS somewhere and just re-file?  The IRS says not to refile but they don't give me any alternative way to inquire.  Help?? @lost return

[Anonymous]

in one place you say filed in March in another you say July.  Did you send in a second copy? That could substantially delay the refund for 6 months or more from the last filing.   if not explain how you mailed in copies both March and July.    

[xmasbaby0]

@Anonymous The user who says he filed in July is not the same user who started the thread and said he filed in March.

@btimjani

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

State returns have to be mailed to the state.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1899433-how-do-i-track-my-state-refund

[btimjani]

Sorry for any confusion it's just that I have been trying to find out answers for this for months. 

I cannot find out if the IRS even received the return.  It just says it is not in their system.  I was told that the IRS could take up to 16 weeks to process a refund for a mailed-in paper return, however it is nearly 16 weeks and their letter states it has not been received.  The date 16 weeks after we sent in the return is Nov. 4, 2020.    I can wait until that date, after that date will the IRS respond to any inquiry about whether or not they've received it?

[VolvoGirl]

Sorry you have to keep waiting.  The IRS probably hasn't even opened your return yet.  They are very behind in opening the mail.  They had 11 million mailed returns to open.  They were closed for several months due to Covid-19 and are still short staffed.  The mail is stacked up in trailers at the IRS.   Do not mail it again.   They are opening the mail in order received so if you mailed it in June or later it will take a long time.  

See this IRS page for the latest information

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

The 16 weeks is the normal time for processing Amended returns.  But these are not normal times.