How long do extended returns take to get? Anyone with experience receiving refunds after filing with an extension?

The IRS typically processes paper returns (including extended ones) in 6-8 weeks under normal circumstances. However, they've been experiencing significant backlogs lately, so it could take 3-4 months or even longer. Since you mailed your return around May 1st, you should give it at least until early August before getting too concerned. Paper returns take substantially longer than e-filed returns, regardless of whether you filed with an extension or not. The extension itself doesn't affect processing time - it's the paper filing method that creates the delay. You can check the status of your refund using the "Where's My Refund" tool on the IRS website or through their IRS2Go mobile app. You'll need your Social Security number, filing status, and exact refund amount to check.

I went through something similar last year and discovered this tool called taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai) that really helped me track what was happening with my extended return. I was stressing like crazy after mailing my stuff and not hearing anything for months. The site let me upload my tax documents and it analyzed everything to tell me if there were potential issues that might delay my refund. It also gave me a much more accurate estimate of when I could expect my refund based on current IRS processing times for extended returns. This helped me stop obsessively checking my bank account every day!

Just wanted to update - I decided to try taxr.ai after asking about it here, and it was actually super helpful! I uploaded my LLC tax documents that I'd filed with an extension, and it immediately flagged that my depreciation schedule might trigger a manual review (which would add time to processing). The analysis gave me a realistic timeline of 14-16 weeks for my refund instead of the usual 8 weeks, so I could adjust my business cash flow accordingly. It also suggested documentation I should have ready in case of questions. Yesterday I finally got my deposit - right within the timeframe they predicted. Saved me a ton of stress knowing what to expect rather than just waiting in the dark.

If waiting for your refund is causing financial hardship, you might want to try Claimyr (https://claimyr.com). I discovered it after spending HOURS trying to get through to a human at the IRS about my extended return. Claimyr basically helps you skip the brutal IRS phone queues that can literally take hours. After submitting my paper return with an extension last year, I hit the 3-month mark with no updates. The IRS website just showed "Your return is being processed," which tells you absolutely nothing. I used Claimyr (you can see how it works here: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c) and got connected to an IRS agent in about 15 minutes who was able to see that my return was sitting in a backlog and needed to be manually processed.

I have to admit I was completely wrong about Claimyr. After posting that skeptical comment, I was still desperate to find out about my extended return that had been processing for almost 4 months. Decided to give it a shot despite my doubts. The service actually worked exactly as described. I got a call back in about 20 minutes connecting me directly to an IRS representative. Turns out my return had been flagged for a simple verification issue that I could resolve right on the call. The agent told me this would have continued holding up my refund indefinitely if I hadn't called. My refund was released within 2 weeks after that call. Without Claimyr I'd probably still be waiting and stressing about it. Sometimes being proven wrong is a good thing!

I've filed with extensions for the past 3 years and my experience is that paper returns with extensions are taking 4-6 months to process lately. E-filing is MUCH faster (usually 3-4 weeks even with extensions), but since you already mailed it in, that ship has sailed. One tip that worked for me: create an online account on IRS.gov if you haven't already. Sometimes you can see more detailed status information there than through the regular Where's My Refund tool. It might show if there are any specific issues with your return.

Just an FYI - I was in the exact same boat last year. Filed a paper return with an extension and it took SEVEN MONTHS to get my refund. No issues with my return, no audit, nothing complicated. The IRS is just extremely backed up with paper returns. Make sure your direct deposit info was entered correctly because if the deposit bounces back for any reason, they'll mail a paper check which adds another 4-6 weeks. Also check that your address is current with the IRS in case they need to send any correspondence.

I'm in a similar situation - filed my extension return via mail in early May and still waiting on my refund. Reading through these experiences is both reassuring and nerve-wracking! It sounds like 4-6 months is becoming the new normal for paper returns. Has anyone had success checking their transcript through the IRS online account to get more detailed status info? I'm wondering if that shows anything beyond what the Where's My Refund tool displays. Also curious if anyone knows whether the IRS sends any kind of acknowledgment that they've actually received your mailed return, or if you just have to wait and hope it didn't get lost in the mail. The waiting game is definitely stressful when you're counting on that money!