How long do extended tax returns take to get back? Filing by mail in 2025

Extended tax returns filed by mail typically take 6-8 weeks to process from the date the IRS receives them. This is longer than the 3-4 weeks it usually takes for electronically filed returns. Paper returns require manual processing, which adds significant time. Since you mailed your return around May 1st, you should expect to receive your refund sometime between mid-June and early July, assuming there are no issues with your return. Remember that the "Where's My Refund" tool on the IRS website can help track your refund status once your return has been processed. You'll need your Social Security number, filing status, and exact refund amount to check. One thing to keep in mind: requesting an extension gives you more time to file, but it doesn't impact the processing time once you do file. The processing timeline remains the same as any other return filed during that period.

I went through a similar nightmare waiting for my extended return last year. After weeks of stress and constantly checking my bank account, I found this service called taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai) that really helped me understand what was happening with my return. You upload your tax documents and it analyzes everything to tell you where your return likely is in the process and what might be causing delays. It spotted that I had a math error that would have triggered a manual review and likely delayed my refund by weeks. The analysis was super detailed and gave me a much better estimate than the generic IRS timelines.

Just wanted to update - I tried taxr.ai after my initial skepticism and I'm genuinely impressed. I uploaded my documents and it identified that my extended return had an issue with how I reported some stock sales that would likely trigger a review. It even explained how to file an amended return to fix it before the IRS flagged it. The timeline estimate was spot-on too - it predicted my refund would arrive within 7 weeks rather than the standard 6-8 weeks because of my specific situation. Got my refund exactly when they said I would. Definitely worth it for the peace of mind alone when you're dealing with an extended return.

If you're tired of waiting and want to speak directly with an IRS agent about your extended return status, check out Claimyr (https://claimyr.com). I used it after waiting 9 weeks for my extended return with no updates. Normally when you call the IRS, you wait on hold for hours or get disconnected. Claimyr holds your place in line and calls you when an agent is about to pick up. You can see how it works in this video: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c I was able to speak with an actual IRS representative who told me exactly where my return was in the process and why it was taking longer than usual. Apparently my extended return had been flagged for a simple verification that was holding everything up. The agent resolved it during the call and my refund was released the following week.

I have to admit I was completely wrong about Claimyr. After my skeptical comment, I was desperate enough to try it since my extended return had been pending for 10 weeks with no updates. I got a call back in about 45 minutes (way faster than I expected), and when I picked up, there was an actual IRS agent on the line! They told me my return had been pulled for review due to a discrepancy between the income I reported and what was on my W-2. Turns out my employer had submitted a corrected W-2 that I never received. The agent helped me sort it out on the spot, and my refund was deposited 8 days later. Without getting through to a real person, I probably would have waited another month or more while the IRS sent me a letter by mail requesting clarification.

For extended returns filed by mail, I always tell people to add an extra 2-3 weeks to whatever the normal processing time would be. The IRS prioritizes processing current-year returns during peak season, so extended returns often get put in a separate queue. One tip: if your refund is substantial, make sure you're watching for any IRS correspondence. Sometimes they'll send verification letters that can delay your refund indefinitely if you don't respond.

I filed an extended return last year and it took FOREVER. Mailed it in early May and didn't get my refund until mid-August. Over 14 weeks! When I finally got through to someone at the IRS, they said my return had been in a backlog of paper returns that were processed in the order received.

I'm in a similar boat - filed my extended return by mail in early May and still waiting. Reading through everyone's experiences here, it sounds like 6-8 weeks is pretty standard, but some people are waiting much longer. @Anastasia - since you filed around May 1st and it's been a few weeks, you're probably looking at getting your refund sometime in late June or early July if everything goes smoothly. The $3,800 is substantial enough that they might take extra time to review it, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. One thing I learned from this thread is that calling the IRS might be worth it just to make sure there aren't any issues holding up your return. Even if it doesn't speed things up, at least you'd know if there's something you need to address. Those services like Claimyr that people mentioned might actually be worth trying if you're getting anxious about it. Keep checking "Where's My Refund" every week or so - once your return shows up in their system, you'll at least know it's being processed rather than lost in the mail.