Will I receive my refund if I filed 2019 taxes on the July 17th deadline?

Not OP but I have a similar situation. If I filed electronically for my 2019 taxes on July 16th, would that mean I'd get my refund earlier than someone who filed on the 17th? Or does the IRS just process all of these deadline filings in one big batch?

Filing a day earlier probably won't make a significant difference. The IRS generally processes returns in the order they're received, but during peak periods (like around deadlines), they're handling such large volumes that it becomes more of a batch process. Electronic filing is the key factor in faster processing. While paper returns can take 6-8 weeks or longer, electronic returns are typically processed within 21 days. The "Where's My Refund" tool should update with your status within 24 hours after an e-filed return is received, whereas paper returns won't show up in the system for 4 weeks or more.

How exactly does it work? Does it connect to your IRS account somehow or do you have to input all your tax info manually? I'm curious but also cautious about sharing my tax details online.

Sounds interesting but kinda skeptical. The IRS already has a "Where's My Refund" tool that's free. What does this site do that's so different? Not trying to be negative, just wondering if it's worth checking out.

The tool doesn't need to connect to your IRS account - you just upload your tax document or transcript and their AI analyzes it to provide more specific insights. It's much more detailed than the basic status bars on the IRS tool, especially for complicated situations like deadline filings or prior year returns. What makes it different from the IRS tool is that it provides actual timeline predictions based on current processing patterns and your specific tax situation, not just the generic "received/approved/sent" status. It also explains potential delays based on certain tax credits or deductions you claimed. The analysis is much more personalized and detailed than anything the IRS offers.

Wait how does that actually work? How do they hold your place in line? I've literally spent entire afternoons on hold with the IRS only to get disconnected right when I thought I was getting through.

This sounds too good to be true. I've tried calling the IRS dozens of times about my late filing and literally can't get through. If this actually works, it would be a lifesaver, but I'm dubious. Has anyone else verified this actually works?

They use an automated system that waits on hold for you. You enter your phone number and they call you when an agent is about to pick up. It's like having someone else sit on hold instead of you - when they reach the front of the queue, they connect you to the IRS agent. I was skeptical too until I tried it. The reality is the IRS phone system is completely overwhelmed, especially with all these deadline filings. The average wait time when I called was over 2 hours, and that's if you can even get in the queue before they cut off new callers. With Claimyr, I went about my day and got a call back when an agent was available. Saved me hours of frustration and I finally got answers about my refund status.

Thanks for mentioning this! Do you know how long it typically takes for paper checks to arrive after the IRS approves the refund? Also, is there any way to check if they're sending it as a check vs direct deposit?

Paper checks typically take about 1-2 weeks to arrive after the IRS approves the refund, so you're looking at potentially 6-10 weeks total from filing if they go this route. You can check whether they're sending a direct deposit or paper check by using the "Where's My Refund" tool on the IRS website. Once your return is approved, it should tell you which method they're using for your refund. If it shows they're mailing a check when you requested direct deposit, it's usually because of their security protocols for older returns or when there's a long gap between filing seasons.

Amended returns unfortunately take much longer to process than original returns, even when filed electronically. The current processing time for amended returns (Form 1040-X) is running about 20+ weeks according to the IRS.

Thanks for the info! 20 weeks is a long time to wait. I'm guessing it's even worse since I filed right on the deadline day when they're probably overwhelmed with submissions. Wish I had realized those missed deductions sooner.