If You Mail Your Taxes How Long Does It Take?

When filing federal income tax returns, a common question arises regarding the processing time for mailed submissions. While electronic filing often offers a faster turnaround, many individuals continue to send their tax documents via postal service. Understanding the typical timelines and potential influences on these periods can help manage expectations for receiving a refund or confirmation of processing.

Standard Processing Times for Mailed Returns

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) advises that paper tax returns take longer to process than electronically filed ones. For an original federal tax return, such as Form 1040, taxpayers should anticipate a processing period of 6 to 8 weeks. This timeframe is a general guideline for receiving a refund or a notice of processing completion.

Amended returns, filed using Form 1040-X, follow a longer processing schedule. These amended filings usually take between 8 to 12 weeks to process. In some instances, processing could extend up to 16 weeks. These estimates represent standard processing expectations and are not guaranteed timelines.

Factors Affecting Processing Speed

Several elements can influence how quickly a mailed tax return is processed, potentially extending the standard timelines. Errors or missing information on the return are common causes for delays, as the IRS may need to request clarification or additional documentation.

Complexity of the return, such as those involving unusual credits or large deductions, can also require more detailed review, thus prolonging processing. Filing during peak tax season, particularly around the April deadline, leads to a higher volume of submissions, which can create backlogs and slow down processing times. Submitting a paper check along with the return for tax payments can also add to the processing duration. Broader IRS operational backlogs or system updates can contribute to extended processing periods.

Checking Your Return Status

After mailing a tax return, taxpayers can monitor its processing status using official IRS online tools. For original Form 1040 returns, the “Where’s My Refund?” tool is available on the IRS website. This tool requires the taxpayer’s Social Security Number or ITIN, filing status, and the exact refund amount shown on the return.

For mailed returns, wait at least four weeks after sending before checking the status using “Where’s My Refund?”. The system updates once every 24 hours, typically overnight. The tool provides status updates such as “Return Received,” “Refund Approved,” and “Refund Sent.”

For amended returns, the “Where’s My Amended Return?” tool is the appropriate resource, and taxpayers should allow at least three weeks from the submission date for the return to appear in the system. This tool requires the Social Security Number, date of birth, and ZIP code. While these tools offer convenience, contacting the IRS directly by phone should be a last resort, only after sufficient time has passed and the online tools do not provide a clear resolution.