Paper Return Filed in February - No Updates Yet Per IRS Pub. 1500

I'm in the exact same boat and it's driving me crazy! Filed my paper return on February 10th and absolutely NOTHING since then. No updates on Where's My Refund, no letters, nothing at all. Last year I e-filed and had my refund in 2 weeks, but this year I had to paper file because of some investment documents that couldn't be e-filed. Really wish I'd found another way because this waiting game is brutal.

I might be able to help, as I was possibly in a similar situation about three weeks ago. After waiting nearly 12 weeks for my paper return to process, I finally decided to try reaching an actual IRS agent. I probably would've waited another month or so if I hadn't used Claimyr (https://www.claimyr.com). They basically connected me to an IRS agent in about 30 minutes instead of the hours of redial attempts I was doing before. The agent confirmed they received my return but it was sitting in a backlog. At least knowing that gave me some peace of mind.

After experiencing significant delays with my paper return, I implemented a systematic approach that yielded results. I utilized Form 4506-T (Request for Transcript of Tax Return) to verify IRS receipt of my documentation. Within 10 business days of submitting this request, I received confirmation that my return was in the processing queue. My refund was direct deposited approximately 14 days thereafter. The key performance indicator was the transcript request, which appeared to trigger a review of my submission status.

FYI - paper returns are taking FOREVER this yr. IRS website says 6 wks but ppl on FB groups reporting 3-5 MONTHS for processing! If u need $ fast, ur best bet is calling. Check ur transcript if u can access online - might show if they've at least received it. Paper returns go to diff processing centers based on which state ur in - some are faster than others. TX center seems fastest, CA and UT the slowest rn.

I was freaking out about my paper return too!! Filed in January and heard NOTHING until last week! 😫 I finally broke down and tried taxr.ai to see if it could tell me anything from my transcript and I'm so glad I did! 😊 The website analyzed everything and explained that my return was actually processing but had a review code that was causing the delay. It even predicted when I'd likely get my refund based on the codes, and sure enough, the money hit my account on exactly the day it predicted! I was so relieved to finally understand what was happening!

Have you tried these alternative approaches? • Contact Taxpayer Advocate Service (they can help when normal channels fail) • Request your Account Transcript online instead of waiting for return processing • Visit local IRS office in person (appointment required) • Check if your state has a tax agency that can confirm receipt of federal return Do any of these sound feasible with your schedule? Many parents I know have had success with the TAS route when dealing with paper returns.

I'm dealing with the exact same frustrating situation! Filed my paper return on February 15th and it's radio silence from the IRS. Like you, I'm juggling work and family obligations and can't spend entire days trying to get through to them on the phone. It's incredibly stressful not knowing if they even received it or if there's an issue. I've been checking "Where's My Refund" obsessively but it still shows no information available. Reading through these responses gives me some hope that others have eventually gotten through - might have to try some of these suggested approaches since the standard waiting game clearly isn't working for any of us paper filers this year.