When you file by mail, how long does it typically take to get your return from the IRS?

[Rachel_W · Accepted solution]

When you file by mail, you usually receive your refund in 6-8 weeks.

About 4 weeks after you mail your return, you can track it here: https://www.irs.gov/refunds.

[b4940aa82934]

When you file by mail, how long does it typically take to get your return from the IRS?

[fanfare]

2021 paper returns are now in a holding pen while IRS works to clear the backlog of 2020 paper returns.

That could take a while.

According to IRS commissioner, it is first come, first served for paper returns.

[b4940aa82934]

I have not received my tax returns and it’s been a month and now 

[mesquitebean]

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@ b4940aa82934 wrote:

I have not received my tax returns and it’s been a month and now 

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Your sentence was cut off, so it's not known what you were going to say.

In any case, I'll presume you mean your refund.  The returns are the forms you filed with the IRS and state tax agency (if applicable.)

If you filed by mail, a month hasn't been near enough time.   Even in a normal year it can take 6-8 weeks or more to get a Federal refund after filing a paper return.  And the last couple of years have not been normal.  There was a long backlog at the IRS for any paper processing during the Pandemic, and although improved in recent months, the delay might still be considerable.   There's no way to know how long any given paper return can take. 

If you filed by mail, then you had to print, sign, and mail it yourself.  TurboTax does not mail it for you.  So I presume you physically did that.

You can monitor the status at the IRS "Where's My Refund" tool.   Normally a paper return would show up in this tool about 4 weeks after mailing.

https://www.irs.gov/refunds

Did you also have a state return and due a state refund?

FAQ:  How do I track my state refund?

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/refund-status/help/how-do-i-track-my-state-refund/00/25571

[SweetieJean]

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

State refund times vary.

[Miaman03]

I mailed in my return 8 weeks ago. I still have not received my refund and I cannot even track it. Is this normal considering I mailed it and they are slower due to the pandemic?

[xmasbaby0]

@Miaman03 Sadly, yes, it is "normal" now to wait for months for a mailed federal return to be processed.

MAILED RETURNS

https://www.businessinsider.com/taxpayers-filing-paper-returns-wait-6-months-tax-refund-2022-4#:~:te...

 It can take weeks  (or a LOT longer since the IRS is severely backlogged) for anything to show up on the IRS site when you mail a tax 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 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

If you are wondering if you should send your return again——the IRS does not want you to file a second time.   Putting two tax returns into the system at the same time can lead to confusion and even more delays.   If you did not use tracking and do not know if the return was received—-you have to make your own judgment call and decide if you want to risk further delay by sending the return again.

[MU2025]

I mailed this year.  After seven weeks still not shown as received at Where's My Refund.  I mailed again using certified mail.  Three weeks later certified mail still shown as In Transit, nine weeks total since first mailing still not shown as received at WMR site.  Used Turbo Tax, shown as Received 1/2 hour later.