How do I know if my tax return actually reached the IRS after mailing it?

Thank you for the reassurance! I was panicking because my American roommate e-filed and got his refund in like 2 weeks, so I thought something was definitely wrong with mine. Is there any other way to check if they've at least received it besides the "Where's My Refund" tool? Also, if I do need to call after 12 weeks, is there a special number for nonresident alien tax issues? I tried calling the regular IRS number once before and got disconnected after waiting for an hour.

Unfortunately, the "Where's My Refund" tool is the primary way to check on your refund status. The IRS doesn't have another system for tracking paper returns before they're entered into their main processing system. Once they start processing your return, that's when it will show up in the tool. For nonresident tax issues, you can try calling the International Taxpayer Service Call Center at 267-941-1000 (not toll-free). They specialize in international tax matters and might be more helpful for your situation. They're available Monday through Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

Does this actually work for checking on returns? I thought taxr.ai was just for analyzing tax forms. Can it really tell you anything that the IRS "Where's My Refund" tool can't? I'm in the same boat - mailed my return 9 weeks ago and nothing showing up online yet.

I'm skeptical... how would a third-party service know more about the status of your return than the IRS itself? Seems like they're just telling you what everyone already knows (that paper returns take longer) and charging you for it. Did they actually provide specific information about YOUR return?

It analyzes your specific tax situation based on the documents you upload - so it's checking that you filed correctly according to your status and telling you the expected processing timeline for your specific tax center. It's not accessing IRS internal systems, but using historical processing data. For international students and nonresidents, it's particularly helpful because it can confirm if you used the correct forms and filed everything properly. I was making a mistake with my treaty benefits that might have caused delays, and the system caught it. They also give you documentation to help if you need to contact the IRS.

How does this actually work? Does it just keep calling for you? I'm confused about how a third-party service can get through when the IRS phone lines are always jammed. And is it expensive? I'm a student so I'm on a pretty tight budget.

This sounds like a scam. How is some random service going to get you through to the IRS faster than calling yourself? The IRS phone system is what it is. And giving your tax info to some random company seems like a TERRIBLE idea. I'll just wait on hold like everyone else rather than pay for some "magic" service.

It doesn't keep calling for you - it uses a system that navigates the IRS phone tree and waits on hold for you. When an agent picks up, it calls your phone and connects you directly. You don't have to give them any tax information at all - they're just getting you connected to the IRS. Their system basically monitors the hold queue and knows when the best times to call are. Once you're connected, you're talking directly to the IRS - Claimyr isn't involved in the actual conversation. It's like having someone wait in line for you instead of standing there yourself for hours.

Thanks for the insight! I did keep copies of everything and took photos of the completed forms before mailing them. About the address - that's actually a concern. I might be moving to a different apartment in August. Should I submit a change of address form with the IRS now, or wait until closer to my move date?

I recommend waiting until about 2-3 weeks before your move to submit Form 8822 (Change of Address) to the IRS. If you do it too early, they might start sending mail to your new address before you're there. Make sure you also submit a change of address with USPS, as they can forward your mail for up to 12 months. This gives you double protection against missing important IRS notices. And don't forget to update your address with your school's international student office as well, since they handle your tax documentation for visa purposes.

Not all states have income tax though. And for nonresident aliens, state tax filing requirements vary widely depending on which state they live in. Some states don't require nonresidents on F-1 visas to file at all if their only income is from a qualified scholarship.