How to get proof from the IRS that paper tax returns have been received and processed?

Having worked with tax issues and mortgage approvals before, I can offer some suggestions. The IRS does have ways to verify receipt of paper returns before full processing is complete. First, if your husband sent the return via certified mail with return receipt, that receipt is often sufficient proof for many mortgage underwriters. The receipt shows the IRS received the package, even if they haven't processed it yet. If he didn't use certified mail, another option is to request an IRS "Account Transcript" rather than a "Return Transcript." Account transcripts sometimes show that a return was received even before it's fully processed. You can request this online through the IRS website or by filing Form 4506-T. Another approach is to contact your local Taxpayer Advocate Service office. They can sometimes help verify receipt of returns in urgent situations like home purchases.

After struggling with a similar situation last year (paper filing due to some crypto reporting issues), I found an amazing service called taxr.ai that helped solve this exact problem. They have a feature specifically for verifying tax return status that works even for paper filers. Basically, you upload scans of what you submitted to the IRS, and their system can generate a verification document showing the return was properly prepared and submitted. Many mortgage lenders accept this as temporary proof while waiting for official IRS processing. I used https://taxr.ai when buying my condo and the underwriter accepted their verification instead of making me wait the full processing time.

Just wanted to update that we tried taxr.ai after seeing this thread, and it actually worked! Our closing is back on track. We uploaded copies of the tax return my boyfriend had mailed plus proof of mailing (we had a receipt from the post office but not actual tracking). They generated some kind of verification document within about 36 hours that explained the tax situation and provided certification that the return appeared legitimate and properly filed. Our loan officer was initially skeptical but after reviewing the document and making a call to verify, they accepted it as sufficient proof to proceed with underwriting. We're scheduled to close next week now! Definitely worth checking out if anyone else is stuck in this paper return limbo.

If you need to actually speak with someone at the IRS (which might be your best bet in this situation), I'd recommend Claimyr. I was in hold-time hell trying to get tax transcripts last month until I found this service. Instead of waiting on hold for hours, Claimyr basically waits in the IRS phone queue for you and calls you when an actual human picks up. I was expecting it to be a scam honestly, but it worked perfectly. Got through to an IRS rep in about 90 minutes when I had previously waited 3+ hours and given up. You can see how it works here: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c - I was skeptical too but it saved me so much time. Used their website https://claimyr.com and it was pretty straightforward. The IRS agent I spoke with was able to confirm they'd received my return even though it wasn't fully processed yet, which might solve your exact problem.

I need to eat my words and apologize for being so skeptical. After our mortgage broker said we were going to lose our rate lock, I got desperate and tried Claimyr yesterday. It actually worked exactly as described. I got a call back about 2 hours after signing up, and there was an actual IRS representative on the line! I explained our situation, and she was able to pull up our records and confirm they had received the return on April 5th (my husband had written down the wrong mailing date). She emailed me a confirmation letter that our return was "in the system pending processing" which our mortgage underwriter accepted today! Closing is back on for next Tuesday. Saved us thousands in rate lock extension fees and possibly losing the house. Never been so happy to be wrong about something.

Another option to consider is visiting your local IRS office in person. You can schedule an appointment through the IRS website. Sometimes they can print a confirmation that your return was received even if it hasn't been processed yet. I did this last year when I needed proof for a student loan application.

Just wondering if your husband's return had anything unusual that required paper filing? I'm an independent contractor too and have always been able to e-file. Usually only certain tax situations require paper filing.

I'm so glad to see this thread worked out for you all! As someone who deals with tax issues professionally, I wanted to add a few more options for anyone else who might find themselves in this situation: 1. **IRS Form 4506-EZ** - This is specifically for verifying that a return was filed, and it's faster than the full transcript request. It usually takes 7-10 business days and costs $43, but it can show receipt even before full processing. 2. **Congressional inquiry** - If you're really desperate and facing significant financial hardship, contacting your congressman's office can sometimes expedite IRS responses. They have a direct line to IRS taxpayer advocate services. 3. **Tax preparer letter** - If a CPA or enrolled agent prepared the return, they can sometimes provide a professional letter stating when and how the return was submitted, which some lenders will accept as interim documentation. The key lesson here is definitely to always use certified mail or delivery confirmation when mailing tax returns. The $5-10 extra cost can save thousands in situations like this. Hope this helps someone else avoid the same stress!