topic Re: Paper Return in After you file

Paper Return

mariahparis — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 05:19:15 GMT

Has anyone else gotten or heard from the IRS about their paper return? I wasn't able to eFile this year for whatever reason so I mailed my taxes in by mail. They say to wait about 8 weeks and it has definitely been longer than that. I also have called and I cannot get through to an actual agent because of their high call volume. I'm just not sure how much longer I should wait.

Re: Paper Return

Mike9241 — Mon, 06 Jun 2022 18:38:33 GMT

did you use a mailing method where you got proof of delivery? always a good idea for a mailed tax document.

estimates to receive a refund for a paper return have ranged from 4 to 8 months.

have you checked the IRS refund website?

https://www.irs.gov/refunds

Re: Paper Return

NCperson — Mon, 06 Jun 2022 18:40:37 GMT

@mariahparis - assume there is 6 month backlog on paper returns. One other person posted last week that they submitted paper return on Feb 1 and last week received a letter from the IRS that their return will be processed in about 60 days - so that is 6 months.

Most of the IRS backlog is paper returns.

Re: Paper Return

SweetieJean — Mon, 06 Jun 2022 20:14:08 GMT

Taxpayers Who Filed Paper Returns Could Wait 6 Months for a Refund (businessinsider.com)

Re: Paper Return

justme7071 — Wed, 08 Jun 2022 20:40:14 GMT

same here. I have proof of delivery that they received my return mid Feb but the Where's my refund and tax transcript show no return filed so far. I have never filed paper before (someone that wasn't supposed to be able to claim my child did so Turbo Tax info said it had to be filed paper) so it has been causing some anxiety

Re: Paper Return

NCperson — Wed, 08 Jun 2022 20:43:56 GMT

@justme7071 - are you familiar with IRS PINs?

PINs preclude anyone who doesn't know the PIN from claiming your dependents.... and presumably you would be the only one who knows it.

https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams/get-an-identity-protection-pin

Re: Paper Return

justme7071 — Wed, 08 Jun 2022 20:45:11 GMT

This is great information. Thank you. I had no idea

Re: Paper Return

NCperson — Wed, 08 Jun 2022 21:34:36 GMT

@justme7071 - once you request and are issued a PIN, you MUST enter that PIN to be able to efile -

Since the IRS knows that certain SS#s are associated with that specific PIN, it will not accept an efiled return unless the PIN is used. And presumably, you are the only one who knows the PIN so only you can efile.

that will force someone trying to claim your dependents to paper file. THe IRS will scrutinize those returns very closely because they know the dependent SS#s are associated with a PIN and the PIN was not used on the paper return (because only you know it)

a new PIN is issued each year as additional security protection.

give it a try!

Re: Paper Return

fanfare — Wed, 08 Jun 2022 22:05:10 GMT

IRS is now encouraging all taxpayers to get on the IP PIN list.

as mentioned, this will not stop another person from claiming your dependent on a paper tax return.

If they file before you do, the IP PIN is no help.

Re: Paper Return

NCperson — Wed, 08 Jun 2022 22:24:17 GMT

@fanfare

<<If they file before you do, the IP PIN is no help.>>

not true; even if paper filed, the IRS will scrutize the return closely because it knows that the person who submitted return did not include the PIN on the 1040 Form and the PIN that should have been used is not assigned to the SS# of the submitter. It raises all kinds of 'red flags'. It is plenty of help.,

Re: Paper Return

ChristysCallCenterLLC — Wed, 08 Jun 2022 22:29:32 GMT

Delayed by two weeks

Re: Paper Return

fanfare — Wed, 08 Jun 2022 22:29:53 GMT

I meant, it will not allow you to e-File, and you will have to file on paper.

Meanwhile, I don't think an IP PIN gives you extra "points" in resolving who is eligible for the dependent.

Re: Paper Return

NCperson — Wed, 08 Jun 2022 23:56:49 GMT

@fanfare - agreed no 'extra points' but more likely the person who legitimately can claim the dependent is the more likely party to obtain the PIN and may force the other party to 'stand down'.

Re: Paper Return

Socks2--- — Thu, 16 Jun 2022 19:28:28 GMT

Couldn't file my online 2021 tax return with Turbotax because of the 2020 AGI snafu (wouldn't accept the AGI from my actual 2020 return). This necessitated filing a paper return on February 3. It is now June 16 and I haven't received my refund or any correspondence from the IRS

Re: Paper Return

NCperson — Thu, 16 Jun 2022 19:33:35 GMT

figure it will be 6-9 months due to the IRS backlogs esp. related to paper. 80% of the backlog is paper filed returns. Just have patience.

https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-operations-during-covid-19-mission-critical-functions-continue#collapseCollapsible1639064526818

As of June 1, 2022, we had 10.5 million unprocessed individual returns which include returns received before 2022, and new tax year 2021 returns. Of these, 2 million returns require error correction or other special handling, and 8.5 million are paper returns waiting to be reviewed and processed. This work does not typically require us to correspond with taxpayers but does require special handling by an IRS employee so, in these instances, it is taking the IRS more than 21 days to issue any related refund and in some cases this work could take 90 to 120 days. If a correction is made to any Recovery Rebate Credit, Child Tax Credit, Earned Income Tax Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit claimed on the return, the IRS will send taxpayers an explanation. Taxpayers are encouraged to continue to check Tax Season Refund Frequently Asked Questions.

Re: Paper Return

360saragoforth — Fri, 24 Jun 2022 09:30:23 GMT

Same thing happened to me with my child but I read on the IRS website that the paper returns processor agency is up and running again but they have 1+ billion paper returns to process and some 11 million returns that need special attention. Ugh. So ya. Its great.

Re: Paper Return

NCperson — Fri, 24 Jun 2022 09:34:13 GMT

@360saragoforth = to clarify, the IRS processed all paper returns in the order received. What they annoucned this week is that they are now complete with all paper returns received through Dec, 2021, which is another way of saying they have yet to begin processing any 2021 tax returns (because they were all received in 2022!).

SO the good news is they are beginning to tackle 2021 tax returns, the bad news is the backlog is probably 6-9 months from the time the return was submitted until it is processed.

Re: Paper Return

SweetieJean — Fri, 24 Jun 2022 12:02:28 GMT

IRS continues work on inventory of tax returns; original tax returns filed in 2021 to be completed this week | Internal Revenue Service

Re: Paper Return

DERENZOR — Wed, 29 Jun 2022 18:47:40 GMT

Yes I am having the same problem. I couldn't e-file because I was at my limit of 5 and didn't realize it and then I was stuck with mailing mine in and that was March 25th and I check on IRS.gov every day and nothing shows up and I can not find a phone number to call to talk to a live human being.

Re: Paper Return

DoninGA — Wed, 29 Jun 2022 18:56:44 GMT

@DERENZOR wrote:

Yes I am having the same problem. I couldn't e-file because I was at my limit of 5 and didn't realize it and then I was stuck with mailing mine in and that was March 25th and I check on IRS.gov every day and nothing shows up and I can not find a phone number to call to talk to a live human being.

It is taking the IRS 6 months and longer to start to process a 2021 mailed tax return. Patience is required.

IRS website for the status of filed tax returns - https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-operations-during-covid-19-mission-critical-functions-continue

As of June 17, 2022, we had 11.2 million unprocessed individual returns which include returns received before 2022, and new tax year 2021 returns. Of these, 2 million returns require error correction or other special handling, and 9.2 million are paper returns waiting to be reviewed and processed. This work does not typically require us to correspond with taxpayers but does require special handling by an IRS employee so, in these instances, it is taking the IRS more than 21 days to issue any related refund and in some cases this work could take 90 to 120 days. If a correction is made to any Recovery Rebate Credit, Child Tax Credit, Earned Income Tax Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit claimed on the return, the IRS will send taxpayers an explanation. Taxpayers are encouraged to continue to check Tax Season Refund Frequently Asked Questions.

How long you may have to wait: The IRS understands the importance of timely processing of tax returns and refund issuance. We have processed all error free returns received prior to October 2021 and continue to work the returns that need to be manually reviewed due to errors. We are continuing to reroute tax returns and taxpayer correspondence from locations that are behind to locations where more staff is available, and we are taking other actions to minimize any delays. Tax returns are opened and processed in the order received. As the return is processed, whether it was filed electronically or on paper, it may be delayed because it has a mistake including errors concerning the Recovery Rebate Credit and the Child Tax Credit, is missing information, or there is suspected identity theft or fraud. If we can fix it without contacting you, we will. If we need more information or need you to verify that it was you who sent the tax return, we will write you a letter. The resolution of these issues could take 90 to 120 days depending on how quickly and accurately you respond, and the ability of IRS staff trained and working under social distancing requirements to complete the processing of your return.

What you should do: In most instances, no further action is needed but you may check Where’s My Refund? or you can view your account. If you filed electronically and received an acknowledgement, you do not need to take any further action other than promptly responding to any requests for information. If you filed on paper, check Where’s My Refund? If it tells you we have received your return or are processing or reviewing it, we are processing your return, but it may be under review. If you filed before October 2021 and Where’s My Refund? does not have any information, your return has been opened but work on it has not begun. We’re working hard to get through the carryover inventory. Please don’t file a second tax return or contact the IRS about the status of your return.