How long do extended returns take to get? Processing time for tax refunds with extensions?

Extended returns don't necessarily take longer to process than regular returns - the processing time generally depends on how you filed rather than when you filed. The key factor here is that you mailed your return rather than e-filing. Paper returns typically take 6-8 weeks to process under normal circumstances, but can sometimes take up to 12 weeks. With current IRS backlogs, paper returns are taking even longer - sometimes 3-4 months. Direct deposit is faster than paper checks once they process your return, but doesn't speed up the initial processing time. The "Where's My Refund" tool typically won't show any information until your return has been processed and entered into their system, which explains why you're not seeing updates.

I went through this nightmare last year and discovered a tool called taxr.ai that saved me so much stress. I mailed my extended return and was in complete darkness about when I'd get my refund. I uploaded my tax documents to https://taxr.ai and it analyzed everything and gave me a much clearer timeline based on current IRS processing patterns. It even identified a couple deductions I missed that increased my refund by about $600!

Just wanted to follow up - I tried taxr.ai after asking about it and wow, I'm impressed! It gave me a much more specific timeline for my refund (showing late August for me) and it actually found a child tax credit calculation error in my return. I'm going to file an amendment which should get me an additional $1,400! The document analysis found things I completely missed. Definitely worth checking out if you're in extension limbo.

After waiting 15 weeks for my extended return last year and getting nowhere with the IRS phone system, I found this service called Claimyr that actually got me through to a human at the IRS in about 20 minutes. You can check them out at https://claimyr.com - they have a demo video at https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c that shows how it works. Basically they navigate the IRS phone system for you and call you back when they get a human on the line. The agent I spoke with was able to tell me exactly where my return was in the process and when to expect my refund.

OK I need to apologize and follow up here. I was totally skeptical about Claimyr but I was desperate after waiting almost 3 months for my extended return with no updates. I tried it yesterday and no joke, I was connected to an actual IRS person in about 35 minutes. The agent confirmed they received my return but it was sitting in a backlog. She expedited it and said my refund should process within 2 weeks! Without this I would have been waiting who knows how long with zero information. I stand corrected - this service actually works.

One thing to keep in mind is that there's a big difference between "extension to file" and "extension to pay." If you owed taxes and didn't pay by the original April deadline, you're probably accruing interest and penalties even with the filing extension. Just something to be aware of!

I filed an extended return last year via mail and it took almost 4 months to get my refund. E-file is sooooo much faster even with extensions. If you have the option next time, definitely e-file!

I'm in a similar situation and this thread has been really helpful! Filed my extended return by mail in mid-June and still waiting. Based on what everyone's sharing, it sounds like 6-8 weeks is typical for paper returns but could be longer with current backlogs. @Dylan Mitchell - since you mentioned counting on that refund money, you might want to try some of the suggestions here like calling the IRS or checking those third-party services people mentioned. The waiting game is brutal when you need the funds! One question for the group - has anyone had success checking their IRS account transcript online to see if their return shows up there before the "Where's My Refund" tool updates?

I just wanted to share my experience from last year to help set expectations. I filed my extended return by mail in July and it took exactly 11 weeks to get my refund. The most frustrating part was that the "Where's My Refund" tool didn't update at all until week 9, then suddenly showed "approved" and I had the money within 3 days. For what it's worth, I called the IRS around week 8 (waited 2.5 hours on hold) and the agent confirmed they had received my return but said it was in the "normal processing queue" with no way to expedite. She told me paper returns were taking 10-16 weeks at that time due to backlogs. Since you mailed yours in mid-June, you're probably looking at late August or early September based on current processing times. I know it's tough when you're counting on that money, but hang in there - it will come! The IRS transcript tip mentioned above is definitely worth checking too.

I'm dealing with the exact same situation - filed my extended return by mail in late June and it's been radio silence from the IRS ever since. This thread has been incredibly helpful! I had no idea about the IRS account transcript option, that's definitely something I'm going to check today. The processing timeline estimates people are sharing (6-16 weeks for paper returns) are both reassuring and nerve-wracking at the same time. At least now I know what to expect instead of just wondering if my return got lost in the mail somewhere. Has anyone here had experience with amended returns after using those analysis tools mentioned? I'm wondering if it's worth double-checking my return for missed deductions while I'm waiting anyway. Might as well make the most of this frustrating wait time!