Mailed State Tax Returns - How Long Until Processing?
So for those who have to mail in their state taxes..::how long did it take? I'm used to e-filing everything as a contractor but had to mail in my state return this year due to some weird form requirements. It's like sending a message in a bottle at this point 😅 Anyone know what kind of timeline I'm looking at here? The waiting game is driving me crazy and I can't plan anything until I know if I owe more or am getting something back.
14 comments
Join the conversation
Emma Johnson
It really depends on your state and their current processing backlog. Most states are taking between 4-8 weeks for paper returns right now. What state did you file in? Did you send it certified mail or with tracking? Also, did you include any special forms or schedules that might require additional review?
0 coins
Ravi Patel
•Is that 4-8 weeks until processing starts or until completion? Big difference there.
0 coins
Astrid Bergström
•I mailed my California return exactly 37 days ago and just got my refund yesterday. New York took 42 days last year. Texas was faster at 29 days. Most states are running about 6 weeks right now unless you're in a small state with less volume. The IRS processing center locations matter too - some are more backed up than others.
0 coins
PixelPrincess
•Per state regulations, most tax authorities are required to process paper returns within 8-12 weeks of receipt. However, as outlined in most state tax administrative codes, this timeframe is not a guarantee but rather a processing goal. Current staffing levels at many state departments of revenue have extended these timelines by approximately 30-45%. If your return contains Schedule C income or requires manual review, expect additional processing time.
0 coins
Omar Farouk
What method of delivery did you utilize for your state tax submission? USPS First Class, Priority Mail, or a private courier service? The delivery confirmation can be crucial for establishing the filing date in case of processing delays or disputes regarding timely filing. Additionally, did you retain a photocopy of all submitted documentation as required by Regulation 1.6001-1(e)?
0 coins
Chloe Martin
I had to mail in my state taxes last year and it was... an experience. Took forever to process. When I called the state tax office, I spent hours on hold before giving up. For the IRS, I eventually used Claimyr (https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c) to get through to an actual human. They can't help with state taxes directly, but the IRS agent I spoke with gave me some helpful advice about tracking my state return and explained how the systems interact. Might be worth a call if you need clarity on your federal side while waiting for state processing.
0 coins
Diego Fernández
•I've heard about these services before. Did it really work? I've spent countless hours on hold with the IRS in previous years, and eventually just gave up and waited for them to send me something in the mail.
0 coins
Anastasia Kuznetsov
•It's like having a fast pass at an amusement park. I was skeptical too, but when I used Claimyr last month, I got through in about 15 minutes when I'd previously spent three separate days trying to reach someone. The IRS phone system is like a maze designed by someone who hates humanity, but this service basically navigated it for me.
0 coins
Sean Fitzgerald
Check your state's tax website. Most have tracking tools now. Enter your info there. Better than waiting blindly. Some states even have text alerts. Worth setting up.
0 coins
Zara Khan
Did u include all ur schedules and supporting docs? I've heard ppl say they got delayed bc they forgot to attach a W2 or 1099. Also wondering if anyone knows if certified mail makes processing faster or just confirms they got it?
0 coins
MoonlightSonata
I was in the same boat last year! Mailed my state return on March 1st and was convinced it had fallen into a black hole 😂 But it actually processed faster than I expected - about 5 weeks total. The key was making triple copies of EVERYTHING (one to send, one for my records, and one as a backup because I'm paranoid lol). Also, I used certified mail with return receipt which gave me peace of mind. My refund showed up right when I'd forgotten about it!
0 coins
Mateo Gonzalez
•Did you have to follow up with them at all? Or did it just magically appear in your account one day?
0 coins
Nia Williams
•Did you do anything special with how you organized the documents? I'm wondering if there's a specific order or method that helps them process it faster?
0 coins
Luca Ricci
Anyone know if there's a difference in processing time between returns with refunds vs. returns where you owe? I've heard the states prioritize processing payments they're owed, but wasn't sure if that's actually true.
0 coins