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richD1
New Member

Federal Tax Return Lost in Mail?

I mailed my two children's State and Federal Tax Returns on 3/1.  Both have received their state refunds, and one child their federal refund 2 weeks ago.  However, the second federal refund has not been received.  When I check the IRS's website, it does not acknowledge ever receiving it.  I cannot get through to the IRS.  My question is whether I can go ahead and efile the missing federal tax return?

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6 Replies
CatinaT1
Expert Alumni

Federal Tax Return Lost in Mail?

I would wait.

 

According to this IRS update as of April 16th:  

 
 

The IRS is now opening mail within normal timeframes. The IRS has also made significant progress in processing prior year returns. As of April 9, 2021, we had 1.5 million individual tax returns received prior to 2021 in the processing pipeline. Including current year returns, as of April 9, 2021, we had 16.2 million unprocessed individual returns in the pipeline. Unprocessed returns include those requiring correction to the Recovery Rebate Credit amount or validation of 2019 income used to figure the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Advance Child Tax Credit (ACTC). This work does not 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. If, as a result, a correction is made to any RRC, EITC or ACTC claimed on the return, the IRS will send taxpayers an explanation. Taxpayers are encouraged to continue to check Where’s My Refund? for their personalized refund status and can review 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 are processing returns received over the summer and fall in 2020 due to the extended July 15, 2020 tax filing due date. While the majority of 2019 refund returns have been processed, in some cases, we are processing tax returns that were mailed with a payment even though payment associated with these returns have been processed by the IRS. However, we are rerouting 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 in the order received. As the return is processed, it may be delayed because it has a mistake including errors concerning the Recovery Rebate 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 depends 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: 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. We’re working hard to get through the backlog. Please don’t file a second tax return or contact the IRS about the status of your return.  

 
 

E-filing your 2020 tax return: To e-file you will need to enter your AGI from your tax year 2019 tax return.  If your 2019 return has not yet been processed, you may enter $ 0 (zero) as your prior year Adjusted Gross Income. If you used the Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info Here tool last year to register for an Economic Impact Payment, enter “$1” as your prior year AGI. See Claiming the Recovery Rebate Credit if you aren’t required to file a tax return.  

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richD1
New Member

Federal Tax Return Lost in Mail?

Thanks for your prompt response.  They do not say what to do if you are checking for the refund status and it doesn't acknowledge receipt.  Based on prior experience, is there a point in time where they will acknowledge that they do not have it and will ask for people to resubmit?

CatinaT1
Expert Alumni

Federal Tax Return Lost in Mail?

With the backlog, it is taking extra time to process mailed returns.  I would wait a bit first, before resubmitting.

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MImike
New Member

Federal Tax Return Lost in Mail?

I have a similar case. I had filed extension for 2020 tax year and filed paper return Oct 14, 2021. Sent state and federal same day. I got my state refund electronic deposited about 6 weeks later and never heard on the federal. Checking Where’s My Refund and the main IRS site (login via ID.me) shows no record of return. I’m expecting a refund. What should I do now that it’s been over 5 months?

Cb221
New Member

Federal Tax Return Lost in Mail?

I’m experiencing the same issue except for the 2021 filing and trying to figure out if I should re-file before the upcoming deadline…anyone have any new advice here??

CarissaM
Intuit Alumni

Federal Tax Return Lost in Mail?

The IRS is facing a severe backlog of returns currently, so they may have your return just not processing it currently. You can view some helpful information here from the IRS website.  Please do not re-file your return, as this can cause a bigger problem. 

 

You can follow the instructions here to contact them directly by phone. @Cb221

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