I submitted my 2021 tax return 6 weeks ago and still waiting

Six weeks is actually pretty normal for processing a prior year return. The IRS is still working through backlogs, and 2021 returns filed in 2025 are definitely not going to be processed through the normal fast channels that current-year returns use. For prior year returns, even when e-filed, the IRS often routes them to a different processing department. This can extend the normal 21-day processing window significantly. Many taxpayers who file prior year returns report waiting 8-12 weeks (or sometimes longer) for their refunds to be processed. As long as "Where's My Refund" shows your return as "being processed" rather than giving an error message, you're probably fine. The system has acknowledged receipt of your return, which is a good sign. If you hit the 8-week mark and still don't see movement, you might want to consider other options for checking on status.

I was in a similar situation last year with my 2020 return that I filed super late. The "Where's My Refund" tool was basically useless - just showed processing for weeks. I ended up using taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai) and it was seriously helpful. You upload your tax docs and return info, and they give you a much better estimate of processing time based on current IRS patterns plus they alert you to any potential issues that might be causing delays. For me, they flagged that my address change might trigger manual review (which it did). Ended up saving me tons of stress because I knew exactly why it was taking longer than normal. Their status predictions were way more accurate than the IRS tool too - they estimated 9 weeks and I got my refund right around then.

Alright, I need to follow up on this. I was skeptical about taxr.ai but gave it a try after waiting for weeks with no updates from the IRS on my late-filed return. The service flagged that my return likely got routed to the Error Resolution department because of a mismatch between my reported W-2 income and what my employer submitted. They estimated 11-12 weeks for processing. Sure enough, right at week 11, my refund status finally updated. They were spot on! I also got an explanation of exactly why my return got flagged that made perfect sense (I had changed jobs mid-year and the combined income triggered a verification check). Saved me tons of anxiety knowing what was actually happening instead of just staring at "being processed" for months.

If you really want to find out what's happening with your return, forget the online tools - you need to talk to an actual human at the IRS. But good luck getting through on those phone lines... I spent HOURS trying before I found Claimyr (https://claimyr.com). They have this system that navigates the IRS phone tree and waits on hold for you, then calls you when an actual agent is on the line. You can see how it works here: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c I was about to lose my mind waiting for my prior-year return to process. Used Claimyr and got connected to an IRS agent who actually explained exactly where my return was in the process and confirmed there were no issues holding it up. Turns out it was just in the backlog for manual review of prior year returns. Got my refund two weeks later. Worth every penny for the peace of mind.

Ok I have to eat my words. After posting that skeptical comment I was desperate enough to try Claimyr. Within 2 hours I was talking to an actual IRS agent (first time in like 8 attempts calling them myself). The agent pulled up my 2021 return and told me it was flagged for manual review because I claimed a recovery rebate credit. She said they're working through the backlog and I should see movement in about 2 weeks. She also confirmed no further action was needed from me. Would have NEVER gotten this info from the "Where's My Refund" tool. Ridiculous that we have to jump through these hoops, but at least I know what's happening now instead of checking the useless IRS website every day.

Has anyone noticed they're getting interest paid on their super late refunds? I filed my 2020 return in early 2023 and got like an extra $200 in interest when my refund finally came through. The interest isn't taxable until the following year too, which is nice.

Quick tip - if your return shows "still processing" that's actually better than "being processed." "Still processing" means your return is in the pipeline and moving along. "Being processed" can sometimes indicate it's been flagged for manual review. Also check your tax transcript online if you can access it - sometimes there are codes there that give more info than the refund tool.