Help with tracking 2021 tax return mailed in 2025 - USPS shows different delivery status for federal vs state

This is actually a common confusion with mailed returns. The IRS and state tax agencies have different processing centers and procedures, which explains the different tracking statuses you're seeing. For the federal return showing "Available for pickup" - this is normal. The IRS uses PO Boxes for tax returns, and USPS tracking often shows this status indefinitely because the IRS does bulk pickups rather than individual mail retrievals. They typically collect returns in batches, so it may not show as "delivered" in the traditional sense. As for FreeTaxUSA not showing acceptance yet - that's also expected. Unlike e-filed returns which get almost immediate acceptance notifications, mailed returns take 6-8 weeks to process before any status updates happen. FreeTaxUSA wouldn't receive any notification about a paper-filed return being accepted. The good news is that your postmark date of March 12th is what matters for meeting the filing deadline, not when the IRS physically processes the return. As long as it was properly addressed and has sufficient postage, you've met the April 15th deadline regardless of processing time.

After spending hours on hold with the IRS about a similar situation last year, I finally discovered taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai) and it saved me so much stress. I uploaded my USPS tracking info and tax documents, and their system analyzed everything to confirm my filing was considered on time. They even explained exactly how the IRS would process my mailed return and when I could expect updates. Their document verification tool also double-checked my 2020 late filing to make sure everything was properly completed before I sent it in. Definitely gave me peace of mind since I was also worried about missing deadlines.

I was skeptical about taxr.ai at first (mentioned in an earlier comment), but decided to try it since I was in a similar situation with a mailed 2021 return. Honestly, it was surprisingly helpful! The document verification caught that I had forgotten to attach a required form, which would have delayed processing by weeks. Their tracking analysis also confirmed my return would be considered on-time despite weird USPS tracking issues. They explained exactly what the "Available for pickup" status meant for IRS PO boxes and provided documentation I could use if there was ever a question about timely filing. Saved me from sending a duplicate return which apparently creates huge headaches!

If you're still worried, I'd recommend Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) to actually speak with an IRS agent about your return status. I was in the EXACT same situation last month - mailed return with confusing tracking. After trying to call the IRS myself and hanging up after 2+ hours on hold, I used Claimyr and had a call back from an actual IRS agent within 40 minutes. The agent confirmed they had received my return despite the weird tracking status and explained their pickup schedule from that particular PO Box. You can see how it works here: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c - basically they hold your place in line so you don't have to stay on hold forever.

Just wanted to follow up on my skeptical comment about Claimyr. I ended up trying it because I was desperate to talk to someone at the IRS about my missing refund from a mailed return. I seriously can't believe it actually worked! After weeks of trying to get through the normal way, I had an IRS agent on the phone within 35 minutes. The agent confirmed they had received my return despite the tracking showing "available for pickup" status (exactly like your situation). Apparently they do mass pickups from those PO Boxes and individual tracking doesn't update properly. The most important thing is that your return was postmarked before the deadline, which yours was.

Something to keep in mind - different states have different deadlines for late returns if you're owed a refund. For federal, you have 3 years from the original due date to still claim a refund (so for 2021 taxes, you'd have until April 2025 to file and still get a refund). But some states have shorter windows! What state return did you send? Some only give you 2 years to claim a refund, so you might be cutting it really close depending on where you live.

Have you checked whether the PO Box address you sent it to is correct? I made the mistake of using an outdated PO Box from an old tax form template and my return got bounced back to me after 3 weeks. The IRS changed several of their mailing addresses in 2024.

Don't panic - you're actually in better shape than you think! The fact that your tracking shows "Available for pickup" at the PO Box is actually good news. It means USPS successfully delivered your return to the correct IRS facility. The IRS doesn't do individual pickups like regular mail - they do bulk collections from their PO Boxes, sometimes only a few times per week depending on the facility. The key thing is that your return was postmarked on March 12th, which is well before the April 15th deadline. Even if the IRS hasn't physically processed it yet, you've met the filing requirement. The postmark date is what counts for avoiding penalties, not when they actually open the envelope. Since you mentioned this is a 2021 return with business income, just be prepared for a longer processing time. Business returns (especially final year returns for closed businesses) typically take 8-12 weeks to process instead of the usual 6-8 weeks for simple returns. The IRS will likely want to verify the business closure and final income figures. I wouldn't recommend resending the return - that could actually create more problems if both copies end up being processed. Just keep your USPS tracking info as proof of timely filing in case you ever need it.

I just want to echo what others have said - you're definitely not in trouble! I had almost the identical situation last year with a 2020 return I filed super late. The "Available for pickup" status had me panicking too, but it turns out that's completely normal for IRS PO Boxes. One thing I learned that might help: if your brother is expecting a refund, he can actually check the IRS "Where's My Refund" tool online after about 4-6 weeks from when you mailed it. You'll need his SSN, filing status, and the exact refund amount from the return. Even though it was mailed (not e-filed), it will eventually show up in that system once they process it. Also, since you mentioned he had a small business that closed in 2022, make sure you kept copies of everything you sent. The IRS sometimes requests additional documentation for final business returns, especially if there were any assets that were sold or depreciated equipment involved. Having everything organized will save you headaches later if they send any follow-up letters. Don't resend anything - just be patient. The March 12th postmark protects you from any late filing penalties, and that's what really matters here!

Just to add another perspective - I work as a tax preparer and deal with mailed returns regularly. What you're experiencing is completely normal and happens all the time with IRS PO Box deliveries. The "Available for pickup" status actually confirms that USPS successfully delivered your return to the correct IRS processing facility. One thing I always tell my clients is to create a simple filing timeline for themselves. Mark down March 12th as your postmark date (which protects you from penalties), then add 6-8 weeks for basic processing or 10-12 weeks for business returns. That puts you at roughly mid-to-late May for when you should start seeing updates in the IRS systems. Since this involves a closed business from 2021, the IRS will likely take extra time to verify the final income figures and make sure all business taxes were properly calculated. This is routine for final business returns - they're not targeting you specifically, they just have additional verification steps for business closures. The most important thing is that you've met the filing deadline with your March postmark. Everything else is just waiting for the bureaucratic wheels to turn. Keep that USPS tracking info handy as your proof of timely filing, and try not to stress about the processing delays - they're unfortunately just part of dealing with paper returns these days.