Filed my 2023 taxes along with 2024 taxes but haven't heard anything about 2023 return

The IRS typically processes returns in the order they're received, but there are a few reasons why your 2023 return might be delayed while your 2024 was processed normally. When you file a prior year return (like filing 2023 taxes in 2025), the IRS often flags these for additional review. This is especially true if you were supposed to file by the original deadline but didn't. While not technically a "late" filing penalty situation if you didn't owe money, prior year returns go through a different processing pipeline than current year returns. The "Where's My Refund" tool sometimes has trouble tracking prior year returns. Have you tried calling the IRS directly at 1-800-829-1040? You might need to try during off-peak hours (early morning or late afternoon) to get through. Another option is to create an online account at IRS.gov where you can view more detailed information about both tax years. As for your state return, each state has different processing timelines and systems. You should check your state tax agency's website for their refund status tool and contact information.

I had almost the exact same situation last year and discovered taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai) after getting super frustrated with the whole process. I uploaded my return confirmation, and their system analyzed it and explained exactly what was happening - turns out my 2022 return (filed in 2024) was being held for a specific review that wouldn't show up in the normal tracking systems. What I really liked was they showed me what specific codes were likely assigned to my return and what that meant for timeline expectations. They also gave me the exact transcript codes to ask about when I finally did get through to an IRS agent. Saved me hours of confusion and worry!

I was super skeptical about taxr.ai when I saw it mentioned here, but after two months of getting nowhere with the IRS on my own, I decided to give it a try. Upload process was simple, and within minutes it explained that my prior year return was likely flagged for something called "RIVO" review (Revenue Integrity Verification Operation). The site showed me exactly what to expect timeline-wise and gave me specific questions to ask when calling the IRS. I finally got through to someone yesterday, asked about the RIVO review specifically, and the agent was actually surprised I knew about it! She confirmed that was exactly what was happening and gave me a much clearer timeline. Wouldn't have known to ask without the guidance from taxr.ai.

After dealing with the same nightmare scenario (filed 2023 taxes this year, no updates for months), I finally discovered Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) and it literally saved my sanity. I had called the IRS maybe 20+ times over several weeks and could NEVER get through - just endless holds and disconnects. Claimyr holds your place in the IRS phone queue and calls you back when an actual human agent is on the line. You can see their service in action here: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c - it's pretty straightforward. I was honestly ready to give up before trying this, but I had a real IRS agent on the phone within a couple hours after countless failed attempts on my own.

Ok I need to eat my words. After posting my skeptical comment yesterday, I was still unable to get through to the IRS (tried 5 more times). Out of pure frustration I tried Claimyr, and I'm completely shocked - they called me back in about 40 minutes with an actual IRS agent on the line. Got the whole situation sorted in one call. The agent explained my 2023 return was pulled for manual review because of a discrepancy with some reported income (apparently a 1099 from a side gig I did). She said this happens a lot with prior year returns but they don't always update the tracking systems properly for them. Now I at least know what's happening and have a case number to reference.

When I had this issue, it turned out there was a problem with my address on the 2023 return. Did you double check that all your personal info matches exactly between the two returns? Sometimes even minor differences can cause one return to get flagged.

Did you efile both returns through the same tax software? I had an issue where I used TurboTax for current year but FreeTaxUSA for prior year and somehow the prior year one got stuck in limbo for like 3 months.

I went through something very similar last year and it was incredibly frustrating. One thing that helped me was requesting my tax transcripts directly from the IRS website (irs.gov) - you can get them online instantly if you can verify your identity. The transcript will show you if they actually received your 2023 return and what status it has in their system. Even if "Where's My Refund" shows nothing, the transcript often has more detailed information. Look for your "Account Transcript" for tax year 2023 - it'll show transaction codes that can tell you exactly what's happening with your return. Common codes like 150 (return filed) or 846 (refund issued) will give you a clearer picture. If the transcript shows they received it but it's just stuck in processing, at least you'll know it didn't disappear. And if it doesn't show up at all on the transcript, that could indicate the e-file wasn't actually accepted, even though you got a confirmation. Worth checking before spending more time on hold with the IRS!