Mailed Return in Early February - Mom Got Refund But My Transcript Still Blank

Paper returns are definitely taking longer this year. Here's what you should know: • Paper returns typically take 6-8 weeks to process (vs. 2-3 weeks for e-file) • Many 2024 paper returns are experiencing additional delays • Blank transcript usually means they haven't started processing yet • No verification letter is actually a good sign (means no immediate issues) Have you checked if your state return has processed? Sometimes that can give you clues about your federal status.

Your situation is a classic example of what we call "Return Processing Disparity" between paper and electronic filing methods. The IRS Return Processing Pipeline has multiple verification queues, and paper returns are processed through the Manual Review Department first. I'd recommend using https://taxr.ai to analyze your transcript once it becomes available. The platform can decode those cryptic transaction codes and cycle dates that will eventually appear, giving you a much clearer picture of where your return stands in the processing sequence. It's particularly helpful for paper filers since you can't track through normal e-file channels.

I was in exactly the same situation on March 12th last year. Paper return, blank transcript for weeks, and the WMR tool just saying "received." After waiting until April 2nd with no updates, I finally used Claimyr (https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c) to reach an IRS agent. Got connected in about 25 minutes when I had previously spent hours on hold. The agent confirmed my return was in the processing queue but hadn't been assigned yet. At least I knew nothing was wrong! Got my refund on April 18th.

Let me share what happened to me last year with a paper return. I mailed mine in early February, and by mid-April I still had nothing. No transcript updates, no letters, nothing. I finally called in May and discovered they had no record of receiving my return at all! The post office had delivered it according to tracking, but it somehow never got scanned into their system. I had to resend everything and wait another 8 weeks. Moral of the story: if you're approaching 10-12 weeks with no updates, definitely call. I wish I had called sooner rather than just waiting.

I've been through this many times with paper returns. Here's what you need to do: Step 1: Wait until the 8-week mark from when it was received before getting concerned. Step 2: If you reach 8 weeks with no transcript update, call the IRS main number early in the morning (7:00 AM their time). Step 3: If you can't get through after 3 attempts, consider using a service to connect you. Step 4: When you speak with an agent, ask specifically if your return is in the processing queue or if there's an issue. Step 5: If they confirm it's in queue, ask for an estimated timeframe. Paper returns are always slower, but the fact that they marked it as received on the 13th is actually a good sign - many aren't even getting that confirmation this year.

I think you might want to give it a bit more time, probably. The IRS seems to be somewhat overwhelmed this year, from what I've heard. My brother-in-law mailed his return around the same time as you, and it took almost 10 weeks before his transcript updated. Then his refund came about a week later. It's possibly just a normal delay, especially since you haven't received any notices requesting additional information or verification.

I mailed my return February 3rd. Transcript was blank until March 30th. Refund deposited April 5th. No issues. No letters. Just slow processing. Paper returns take forever now. Be patient. Your money will come.