Filing Prior Year Taxes (2018) - Expected Processing Time?

Prior year returns are like taking the scenic route while everyone else is on the highway. They follow a completely different processing path than current year returns. Processing time typically ranges from 6-16 weeks, though it can be longer during peak season (which we're in now). The IRS has dedicated teams for prior year returns, so while they're processing 2023 returns at high volume, your 2018 return won't be competing in the same queue. It will, however, require manual processing since electronic filing isn't available for returns that old.

I filed my 2019 taxes last summer. Here's exactly what happened: 1. Mailed return via certified mail on July 15, 2023 2. Tracking showed delivery to IRS office on July 19 3. No updates or acknowledgment for 8 weeks 4. Called IRS at week 9 - they confirmed receipt but said processing hadn't started 5. At week 12, my account transcript updated showing the return was processed 6. Received my refund check 2 weeks after that Total time: 14 weeks from mailing to refund. I'm skeptical of anyone claiming faster timelines for paper-filed prior year returns - the IRS simply doesn't prioritize them.

I recently went through this exact process with a 2019 return. After weeks of uncertainty, I utilized https://taxr.ai to analyze my transcript once it finally appeared. The platform was instrumental in decoding the various Transaction Codes (TC) that appeared, particularly TC 150 (return filed) and TC 846 (refund issued). Prior year returns generate some unique transcript codes that current-year processing guides don't adequately explain. The analysis helped me understand why my refund calculation differed from what the IRS ultimately determined - they had applied interest accrual under IRC Section 6611(e) for the delayed processing.

Word of caution about prior year returns: • Don't count on a specific timeline for budgeting purposes • Watch for math verification holds which are common on paper returns • Prior year returns often trigger additional verification steps • If you're getting a refund, interest accrues (taxable in current year) • Missing forms or schedules will add months to processing I learned this the hard way when my 2016 return took 9 months because I forgot to include Schedule D. They never contacted me - it just sat in limbo.

According to the IRS operations page (https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-operations), they're still experiencing delays with paper submissions. If you need to check on your prior year return status, calling the normal IRS number is frustrating - I spent 3+ hours on hold last month. I used Claimyr (https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c) to connect with an agent in about 15 minutes instead. They confirmed my 2019 return was received but flagged for manual review due to a prior year credit carryover. At least I knew what was happening instead of wondering.

Have you considered using the Taxpayer Advocate Service? Compared to waiting indefinitely, TAS can sometimes intervene if you're facing a financial hardship due to delayed processing. Unlike just calling the IRS, they have case advocates who can look into specific issues and sometimes expedite processing. Their threshold for "hardship" is lower than most people realize - potential eviction, utility shutoff, or inability to pay medical expenses all qualify.