topic How to know whether IRS received my paper filed returns? in After you file

How to know whether IRS received my paper filed returns?

ajinkya-r — Thu, 10 Sep 2020 00:11:41 GMT

Hi,

From some other answers I read, I understood that IRS didn't process paper returns for a few months. But is there a way to know whether IRS received my paper returns? I filed my 2016 returns by paper. I mailed the returns in June 2020 & they were delivered & signed by IRS as per tracking information. But on IRS refund page, it says there is no information on my refund. Is there a way to know whether IRS at least received my papers?

Re: How to know whether IRS received my paper filed returns?

xmasbaby0 — Thu, 10 Sep 2020 00:32:37 GMT

Mailed returns piled up in trailers at the IRS for several months during the pandemic. The IRS has recently begun to open over 11 million pieces of mail that accumulated over the time that they were not working on mailed returns. Yours could be anywhere in that pile. You say it was a 2016 return? Nothing is ever going to show up on the IRS refund site about a 2016 refund. The refund site only shows information about 2019 refunds. You say you know that it was received. All you can do then is wait patiently and eventually the IRS will dig your 2016 return out and process it.

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.

Re: How to know whether IRS received my paper filed returns?

xmasbaby0 — Thu, 10 Sep 2020 00:44:11 GMT

One question--you say you mailed returns. More than one? Did you mail a state return to the IRS by mistake? A state return has to be mailed to the state. If you mailed your state return to the IRS you are going to have to print it again and mail it to the correct address for your state.