Filed W7 with tax return, got ITIN for my dependent, but IRS hasn't processed my return after 12 weeks - should I be worried?

Paper returns with W7 applications do take significantly longer to process than regular e-filed returns. The IRS processes these manually and they go through multiple departments. Even though you received the ITIN for your dependent, your tax return is likely still in the processing queue. It's definitely NOT recommended to file again. This would create a duplicate return situation which can lead to much longer delays and potential complications. The lack of information on "Where's My Refund" is normal for paper-filed returns until they're fully processed. For paper returns with W7 applications, processing times can range from 12-16 weeks or longer, especially during busy filing seasons. The current processing time for paper returns is extended due to IRS backlogs.

I went through something similar last year and was pulling my hair out waiting! I finally discovered this website called https://taxr.ai that helped me figure out what was going on. It's like having a super smart tax assistant who can analyze your documents and tell you exactly what's happening. I uploaded my ITIN letter and some other tax docs and it immediately explained that when you file with a W7, your return gets routed differently. The site showed me the exact timeline I could expect and why "Where's My Refund" wouldn't show my info yet.

Just wanted to update you all - I tried https://taxr.ai after seeing the recommendation here and it was actually super helpful! I uploaded my W7 approval letter and it immediately showed me that my return was likely in the "post-ITIN processing queue" which is apparently a thing. The system explained that returns with new ITINs have to go through an additional verification step after the ITIN is issued. It estimated another 3-4 weeks for processing (which was spot on). The site even gave me specific language to use when calling the IRS that helped the rep find my return in their system. Definitely worth checking out if you're in this situation!

If you're desperate to know what's happening with your return, I'd recommend using Claimyr (https://claimyr.com). After waiting 14 weeks for my paper-filed return with a W7, I was going crazy not knowing if something was wrong. I tried calling the IRS directly and kept getting disconnected after waiting on hold for hours. Then I found Claimyr and it was a complete game-changer. They somehow got me connected to an actual IRS agent in about 20 minutes. You can see how it works here: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c The agent confirmed my return was still processing (nothing wrong, just slow) and even gave me an estimated completion date. Such a relief just knowing it wasn't lost!

I need to admit I was completely wrong about Claimyr. After posting that skeptical comment, I decided to try it myself since I was also waiting on a W7 return with no updates for 15 weeks. It actually worked exactly as described. I got a call back in about 25 minutes and was connected to an IRS agent. Turns out my return had been selected for manual review because of the ITIN application, but there was nothing wrong with it. The agent gave me a timeframe and explained exactly why the "Where's My Refund" tool wasn't showing any info. For anyone dealing with W7/ITIN issues, being able to actually speak with the IRS saves so much anxiety. I feel silly for being so skeptical before!

Have you checked your tax transcript on the IRS website? That sometimes shows processing info that doesn't appear on Where's My Refund. You need to create an account on IRS.gov if you don't already have one, but it might show if they've at least received your return.

I went through this EXACT situation in 2023 with my mother's ITIN! One thing nobody told me - if you filed with a W7, you should NEVER check "Where's My Refund" using the SSN/ITIN of the person who just got their number. Always use the primary taxpayer's SSN. Also, paper returns with W7s get handled by a special department in Austin, TX regardless of where you live, and they have different processing timelines than regular returns.

I'm dealing with a very similar situation right now - filed my return with a W7 for my spouse back in February, got the ITIN about 6 weeks later, but it's been 14 weeks total and still no movement on my actual return. Reading through all these responses has been incredibly helpful! One thing I learned from calling that special ITIN line (1-800-908-9982) that someone mentioned is that they actually have different processing centers for different types of W7 cases. Returns with first-time ITIN applications go to one center, renewals go to another, and certain complex cases get routed to yet another location. The agent told me this can add weeks to the process depending on workload at each center. She also mentioned that once the ITIN is issued, the return has to be "re-associated" with the new number in their system, which is apparently a manual process that can take 2-4 additional weeks. So even though we got our ITINs relatively quickly, the actual tax processing is a separate timeline entirely. Just wanted to share this info in case it helps anyone else understand why these cases take so ridiculously long!

This thread has been incredibly informative! I'm in week 10 of waiting for my W7/ITIN return to process, and reading everyone's experiences has really helped manage my expectations. One thing I wanted to add that might help others - I discovered that if you filed your return with a W7 application, you can actually track the ITIN application separately from your tax return using the ITIN status check tool on the IRS website. Just because your ITIN was processed doesn't mean your return has moved through the system yet. Also, for anyone still waiting, I found it helpful to keep detailed records of when you filed, when you received the ITIN, and any communication with the IRS. When I eventually do get through to speak with someone, having all those dates handy makes the conversation much more productive. Thanks especially to those who shared the special ITIN phone number and the information about the re-association process - that's exactly the kind of detail the IRS should be providing upfront but never does!

Based on everyone's experiences here, it sounds like 12 weeks is actually pretty normal for W7 returns, especially with the additional processing steps that happen after the ITIN is issued. I'm currently dealing with a similar situation - filed in January with a W7 for my elderly father, got his ITIN in March, but still waiting on the actual return processing. What really helped me was calling that special ITIN line (1-800-908-9982) that several people mentioned. The agent confirmed that my return was in the "post-ITIN verification queue" and explained that paper returns with new ITINs require manual review at multiple stages. She estimated another 4-6 weeks for completion, which puts me at about 18-20 weeks total from original filing. It's frustrating that the IRS doesn't communicate these extended timelines upfront, but knowing that there are actual procedural reasons for the delays (like the re-association process) makes it easier to be patient. Definitely don't file again - that would just create more complications. Your return isn't lost, it's just working through a much slower system than regular e-filed returns.

This entire thread has been a lifesaver! I'm in week 11 with my W7 return and was starting to panic that something had gone wrong. Reading everyone's detailed experiences really shows that these extended timelines are unfortunately normal for ITIN cases. A few things I've learned from my own experience that might help others: 1. The IRS considers paper returns with W7 applications completely separate from regular returns - they go to specialized processing centers and follow different workflows entirely. 2. Even after you receive the ITIN, your return still needs to go through what they call "re-association" where they manually link the new ITIN back to your original return. This alone can take 2-4 weeks. 3. The "Where's My Refund" tool is essentially useless for W7 returns until they're completely processed, so don't panic if nothing shows up for months. For anyone still waiting, I'd highly recommend calling the ITIN-specific line at 1-800-908-9982 rather than the general IRS number. The agents there actually understand the W7 process and can give you much better information about where your return stands. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - it really helps to know we're not alone in this incredibly slow process!

I'm going through this exact same situation right now and this thread has been incredibly reassuring! I filed my return with a W7 for my spouse back in January, received the ITIN in early March, but I'm now at 15 weeks with no updates on the actual return processing. What's really helped me is understanding that this isn't just a "slow processing" issue - it's actually multiple separate processes that have to happen in sequence. The W7 gets handled first, then there's this manual re-association step that nobody tells you about, then it goes into yet another queue for final processing. I called the ITIN-specific line (1-800-908-9982) that everyone mentioned and the agent confirmed my return is in the "post-ITIN manual review" stage. She explained that returns with newly issued ITINs require additional verification steps to make sure all the information matches up correctly in their system. The most helpful thing she told me was to expect a total timeline of 18-22 weeks from original filing for first-time ITIN cases. That puts me at another 3-7 weeks of waiting, which is frustrating but at least I have realistic expectations now. For anyone just starting this process - definitely don't e-file a duplicate return thinking yours got lost. The paper W7 returns follow a completely different workflow and the normal IRS tools don't track them properly until they're fully completed.