Where is my tax refund? Stuck in a mountain of paper?

June 16, 2020 8:35 AM

I filed my Federal tax return two months ago. It was on paper because I did not wish to pay for tax filing software or professional help for a job I can do myself. Now it looks like I was short-sighted about the implications of the virus and the defunding of the IRS.

I checked the IRS Where Is My Refund site, and there was nothing when I entered my details. I understand that the paper returns are probably sitting in storage trailers waiting for people to come back to the offices. This is not a job that can be done remotely. I have not bothered to call because I don't expect anyone to answer.

Should I wait for some fine day when the backlog is cleared? Should I bite the bullet and refile electronically? What will happen when the paper return is eventually processed?

posted by Midnight Skulker to Work & Money (3 answers total)

First, you can file electronically for free. Free Tax USA for instance. Second, the IRS was shut down until July 15th. I would call though. Depending on what state the office is in, they may have staff in the office. I do not know if they are processing electronic returns now.
posted by AugustWest at 8:44 AM on June 16, 2020

Best answer: We also filed on paper; our accountant relayed this when we contacted her with similar questions:

"Paper tax returns. All taxpayers should file electronically through their tax preparer, tax software provider, or IRS Free File if possible. The IRS is not currently able to process individual paper tax returns. If a taxpayer has already filed via paper but the return has not yet been processed, the taxpayer should not file a second tax return or write to the IRS to inquire about the status of the return or economic impact payment. The IRS says paper returns will be processed once processing centers are able to reopen. The IRS adds that, this year, more than 90% of taxpayers have filed electronically.

Document Title:IRS updates website discussing its operations during COVID-19, Federal Tax Update (04/23/2020)

Checkpoint Source:2020 COVID-19 News"

She also mentioned that she thought the government would probably end up paying us interest on the refund money we're owed, which is quite possibly the tiniest possible silver lining ever?
posted by genehack at 8:59 AM on June 16, 2020 [1 favorite]

There is no defunding going on with the irs. Processing centers were, just as every other large employer, shut down and just recently returned to staffing at whatever capacity is governmentally allowed. The paper tax returns are delayed in short order but should be in transit within a four week period. The Wheres my refund tool should have updates by July. And as for the interest paid on delayed returns I'm not sure. 800-829-1040 will have customer service but I'm not sure of the hold time.
posted by The_imp_inimpossible at 7:48 AM on June 23, 2020