What to do when the IRS has lost my tax return? Return was delivered but not processed

The IRS losing paper returns isn't uncommon, unfortunately. While the representative was right that submitting a duplicate return can sometimes cause issues, at this point I think you need to take action. Here's what I recommend: 1. Request a "Return Transcript" through the IRS website or by using Form 4506-T. If they have your return but it's just not showing in the system the rep checked, this will confirm it. 2. If no transcript is available, wait until it's been at least 8 weeks since you mailed it (sounds like you're already past this), then call the IRS again and specifically request a "Return Trace." This is a formal process to track down a missing return. 3. If they still can't locate it, you should resubmit the return with a brief cover letter explaining this is a replacement for a lost return, including the date you originally mailed it and any tracking information you have. 4. Most importantly, if you resubmit, write "DUPLICATE RETURN" in red at the top of the first page so it gets proper handling. Your situation is particularly tricky because of the MFS filing with Form 8958. Make sure you keep copies of everything and document all your conversations with the IRS.

Just went through something similar and I found taxr.ai super helpful for my situation. After the IRS lost my paper return (also had to mail mine in because of some rental property forms), I was getting conflicting advice about what to do next. I uploaded my USPS tracking receipt and carbon copies of my return to https://taxr.ai and their system analyzed everything and gave me specific steps to follow. They helped me draft a proper cover letter to include with my duplicate return and showed me exactly where to write the "DUPLICATE RETURN" notation on my forms. Saved me from having to call the IRS multiple times and waiting on hold forever. The site also explained how to properly document everything so I could prove I had originally filed on time in case the IRS tried to hit me with late penalties. Really straightforward process.

Wanted to follow up about taxr.ai since I ended up using it for my situation. I'm amazed at how well it worked! I uploaded my IRS notices, tracking info, and copies of my filed forms (including all the S-Corp stuff I mentioned). Within minutes I had a complete action plan with exact steps to resolve my issue. They even generated a formal letter to the IRS explaining the situation that I could just print and sign. The best part was the timeline projection showing exactly when I needed to follow up and what to expect at each stage of the process. I got confirmation last week that the IRS received and is processing my replacement return. Already have a projected refund date! Wish I'd known about this service months ago instead of wasting hours on hold.

Similar situation happened to me last year. After trying everything and being on hold for hours multiple times, I finally used https://claimyr.com to get through to an actual IRS agent. You can see how it works in this video: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c The service basically waits on hold with the IRS for you and then calls you when they get an agent on the line. When I finally got through, I was able to speak with a supervisor who initiated an actual trace on my return rather than just looking in the basic system. Turns out my return had been received but was sitting in a backlog pile at a different processing center than where it was supposed to be. The agent was able to manually enter notes in my file and expedite the processing once they located it. Got my refund about 3 weeks later after months of waiting and frustration.

I need to apologize and update my skeptical comments. After posting here yesterday, I decided to try Claimyr since my situation was getting desperate (owed a $4300 refund and no movement for months). The service actually worked exactly as described. I submitted my request around 7pm, and this morning around 9:30 I got a call connecting me to an IRS representative who was already on the line. Didn't have to navigate a single phone menu or listen to hold music for even one second. The agent I got was super helpful and confirmed my return had actually been received but was flagged for manual review because of a discrepancy with my estimated tax payments. She unflagged it and put it back in the processing queue. She said I should see my refund within 3 weeks. The time and frustration saved was absolutely worth it. Sometimes being skeptical costs more than taking a chance!

Have you considered going to your local Taxpayer Assistance Center? You need to make an appointment first, but in my experience, the in-person reps have access to more detailed information and can often resolve issues that phone reps can't. They can do a formal search for your return and initiate the proper procedures if it truly is lost. Also, be sure to bring your certified mail receipt or tracking information to prove when and where you sent it. This will help if they try to claim you filed late.

Random thought - check if your bank account info on the return was correct. I had a similar situation where they had "processed" my return but the refund bounced back because I had transposed two digits in my account number. The system showed no record until I specifically asked about rejected direct deposits.

I went through almost the exact same situation earlier this year! Filed MFS with Form 8958, mailed it in July, USPS confirmed delivery, but the IRS had no record of it. Here's what finally worked for me: First, don't panic about the bank account info suggestion - if there was a direct deposit issue, you'd typically get a paper check mailed to your address on file instead, and you'd see some record of processing. The key breakthrough came when I called and specifically asked to speak with someone in the "Accounts Management" department rather than just general customer service. These reps have access to different systems and can see returns that are stuck in various processing queues. When I finally got through to Accounts Management (took 3 calls), the rep found my return had been received but was sitting in a "manual review" pile because the system flagged the Form 8958 for verification. Apparently this is common with community property state filings. The rep was able to release it from manual review on the spot, and I got my refund 2 weeks later. Ask specifically for "Accounts Management" when you call - don't let them transfer you to general customer service. Also mention the Form 8958 filing requirement upfront as this seems to be a known issue that gets special handling. Hope this helps! The MFS + community property combo definitely creates extra complications but it's totally solvable.

I'm dealing with a very similar situation right now! Filed an extension, made an overpayment, then mailed my completed return in August with Form 8958 (also MFS in a community property state). USPS shows delivered but the IRS has no record of it. Reading through all these responses, I'm definitely going to try calling and asking specifically for "Accounts Management" - that tip about Form 8958 filings getting stuck in manual review makes perfect sense. I had no idea there were different departments with access to different systems. For what it's worth, I also tried the "Where's My Refund" tool online and it just says my information doesn't match their records, which is exactly what you'd expect if the return is sitting in some processing limbo. The frustrating part is that I'm also owed a refund (about $900) from my extension overpayment, so this delay is costing me money I could really use right now. But it sounds like once you get to the right department, they can actually resolve these issues pretty quickly. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - this thread has been way more helpful than the three different IRS reps I've spoken with so far!

This is such a frustrating situation, but you're definitely not alone! Based on what I'm reading here, it sounds like your return might be caught up in the same manual review process that affects a lot of MFS filers with Form 8958. A few additional thoughts that might help: - Keep detailed records of every phone call you make to the IRS, including date, time, rep name (if they give it), and what they tell you. This documentation will be crucial if you need to escalate later. - When you do get through to Accounts Management, ask them to put notes in your file about the missing return and the steps they're taking. This way if you have to call back, the next rep can see the history. - Consider also requesting a "wage and income transcript" while you're on the call - this will show if your employer's W-2 information matches what you filed, which can help rule out other processing issues. The good news is that since you have USPS tracking showing delivery, you should be protected from any late filing penalties even if this takes longer to resolve. The IRS generally accepts postal service delivery confirmation as proof of timely filing. Hang in there - it sounds like most people in this thread eventually got their situations resolved once they reached the right department. Your $1,400 refund is definitely worth the effort to track down!