Paper Filed in April 2024 - No IRS Acknowledgment Yet

OMG I feel your pain!!! Paper returns are taking FOREVER this year! I filed mine on April 2nd and JUST got the first acknowledgment last week. The IRS is completely SWAMPED with paper returns right now - they're prioritizing electronic filing and paper returns are basically sitting in giant piles! Call the IRS main number and they'll just tell you to "be patient" which is INFURIATING when you're waiting on YOUR money!!!

Maybe try checking your tax transcript online? It sometimes shows processing info before the Where's My Refund tool updates. You could possibly see if they've at least received it, even if they haven't started processing it yet. I'm in a similar situation and getting pretty anxious since I sort of need that refund soon...

According to IRS Publication 17 and internal processing guidelines, paper returns are currently experiencing significant delays, with average processing times extending to 10-12 weeks from receipt. This is substantially longer than the standard 6-8 week timeframe cited in previous years. I've been monitoring my own paper return filed April 15th with some concern. After multiple unsuccessful attempts to reach an IRS representative through the general line, I utilized Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) and was connected to an agent within 25 minutes. The agent confirmed receipt of my return despite no online status update and provided an estimated processing date. This saved me considerable anxiety and multiple redial attempts.

Filed paper in April too. Still nothing. Called IRS 3x. Last agent said they're super behind on paper returns. Said could take up to 16 wks this yr!!! Told me not to call back until mid-Aug. So frustrating tbh. Next yr def doing e-file.

Based on current IRS operational metrics, paper return processing is experiencing significant backlogs. When I finally received access to my transcript after 9 weeks of waiting, I utilized taxr.ai to analyze the transaction codes. The platform provided a comprehensive interpretation of my 570/971 sequence and accurately predicted my refund disbursement timeline. The system identified that my return was in manual review due to verification of my Schedule C income, something I wouldn't have understood from the cryptic transcript codes alone. The analysis functionality significantly reduced my uncertainty regarding processing status.

I've been tracking paper return processing times for several years. Here's what I'm seeing for 2024: • Average processing initiation: 8-10 weeks after receipt • Full processing completion: 12-16 weeks total • Returns with credits/deductions: Add 2-4 weeks additional review time • Returns with errors: Add 6-10 weeks for resolution • Returns requiring correspondence: Add 8-12 weeks minimum The IRS is prioritizing electronic returns as part of their modernization efforts. Paper returns are processed in batches based on processing center and filing date. April filers should begin seeing movement by late July/early August based on current patterns.

I believe we may need to adjust our expectations for paper returns this year. From what I've observed, many April paper filers are just now beginning to see movement in the system. The IRS appears to be working through a substantial backlog, possibly related to staffing constraints and technology transition issues. It might be prudent to allow approximately 16 weeks before becoming overly concerned about your return status. Perhaps consider setting up an online account with the IRS if you haven't already, as this sometimes provides status information before the general tools update.

Paper returns are like sending a letter by carrier pigeon in the age of email. The IRS processing centers are so backed up it's like they're using abacuses while the e-file system runs on supercomputers. I mailed mine April 12th and just got confirmation last week that they received it. Still no processing update though. The IRS representative I spoke with said they're working through March paper returns right now, so April filers are still waiting in the virtual lobby.

Based on current IRS operational parameters, paper-filed returns submitted in April 2024 are experiencing significant processing delays due to resource allocation prioritization. The Service's Submission Processing Centers are currently operating with approximately 78% staffing capacity while managing a 22% increase in paper submissions compared to the previous filing season. Returns containing refundable credits undergo additional verification protocols, extending processing timelines by 30-45 days beyond standard processing. To mitigate uncertainty, taxpayers should monitor their tax transcripts for transaction codes 971 (Notice Issued) and 570 (Additional Account Action Pending) which typically indicate initial processing has commenced.

Filed paper April 15th. Just got my refund yesterday - $3,421 direct deposited. Took exactly 13 weeks and 2 days. No updates on WMR the entire time. Transcript updated once at week 10 showing received, then again at week 12 showing approved. Money showed up 8 days after approval. Never called them - just waited it out.