I mailed in my return Feb13, but I've heard nothing back. The IRS website tells me that they cannot provide any information about my refund. What do I do?

[rachee347]

How do I know they got it or if it's pending, rejected, or accepted?

[DawnC]

The pending, rejected, or accepted statuses are for e-filed returns only.  If you mailed your return, you will need to contact the IRS to confirm receipt.  

The IRS issues most refunds in less than 21 days, although some require additional time. You should only call if it has been:

• 21 days or more since you e-filed
• 6 weeks or more since you mailed your return, or when
• "Where's My Refund?" tells you to contact the IRS

You may check the status of your expected tax refund by calling the IRS Refund Hotline at 800-829-1954. This automated system will provide your refund status if you supply your Social Security number, filing status and refund amount due.  If the automated system does not give you the information you are looking for, you can speak with an IRS agent by calling 800-829-1040.

[akwallac10]

How do you contact an agent using that phone number. They will literally route you around so that you cannot talk to a person. 

[xmasbaby0]

@akwallac10 Did you post to this thread because you mailed your tax return?

MAILED RETURNS

Per the IRS:

COVID-19 Mail Processing Delays

It’s taking us longer to process mailed documents including:

• Paper tax returns, and
• All tax return related correspondence.

We are processing all mail in the order we received it.

Do not file a second tax return or call the IRS.

 It can take 3-4 weeks  (or  a LOT longer since the IRS is backlogged) for anything to show up on the IRS site when you mail a tax return.  Expect at least 6-8 weeks for complete processing of a mailed return and probably  MUCH MUCH longer.

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 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

[akwallac10]

Yes, I mailed it back in April and have yet to get any update on their website. I am concerned they did not receive it due to USPS being a shot show in the Baltimore area where I live. 

[xmasbaby0]

The IRS does not want people to file a second time---that can create confusion and even longer delays.   If you did not use  mailing service to track your mailed return then it is your own judgement call ---- do you want to file again and risk that delay or wait it out?

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

 As of June 23, 2021, we had 17.5 million unprocessed individual returns in the pipeline. Unprocessed returns include tax year 2020 returns such as those requiring correction to the Recovery Rebate Credit amount or validation of 2019 income used to figure the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Additional 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 have processed all error free returns received prior to 2021, and continue to work the returns that need to be manually reviewed due to errors.  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 and processed 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.

[fanfare]

IRS is now opening paper returns in the normal time frame as received.

If your return was opened, it would be entered,

and you should be able to get a Transcript.

That will confirm that IRS has your return.