Taxpayers eagerly awaiting the processing of their paper tax returns can refer to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) website for the latest updates on the agency’s progress. This comprehensive guide will provide an overview of the current processing status for various tax forms, including individual and business returns, as well as other forms and correspondence.
Individual Returns
Electronically Filed Returns:
- Electronically filed Form 1040 returns are generally processed within 21 days.
Paper Returns:
- The IRS is currently processing paper returns received during the month of March 2024 for original Form 1040 series returns and January 2024 for amended returns.
- It’s important to note that this timeframe does not include returns that require error correction or special handling.
- The IRS prioritizes processing paper returns where a refund is expected before all other returns.
Business Returns
Electronically Filed Returns:
- Electronically filed original returns are generally processed within 21 days.
Paper Returns:
- The IRS is currently processing paper returns received during the following months:
- Form 1120 series: March 2024 for original returns and November 2023 for amended returns
- Form 941: March 2024 for original returns and January 2024 for amended returns (excluding Employee Retention Credit or ERC)
- Form 1041: February 2024 for original returns and November 2023 for amended returns
- Similar to individual returns, this timeframe excludes returns requiring error correction or special handling, and the IRS prioritizes processing paper returns where a refund is expected.
Other Forms
The IRS is also processing other forms, including:
- Form W-7 (Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number or ITIN): March 2024
- Form 8802 (Application for U.S. Residency Certification): December 2023
- Form 1045 (Application for Tentative Refund): August 2023
- Form 1139 (Corporation Application for Tentative Refund): December 2023
- Form 14039 (Individual Identity Theft Affidavit): August 2022
- Form 14039-B (Business Identity Theft Affidavit): August 2023
- Form 2848 (Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative): March 2024, processed 4 business days after receipt
- Form 8821 (Tax Information Authorization): March 2024, processed 4 business days after receipt
Letters and Notices
The IRS is also processing correspondence, including:
- Individual general correspondence: January 2024
- Business general correspondence: November 2023
- Other correspondence (including injured spouse, exempt organization, and employee plans): February 2024
Additional Information
- Taxpayers who have filed forms after the months listed above can check the IRS website for the latest updates on processing times.
- The IRS website also provides details on what to expect if a return requires additional processing or review.
- Taxpayers can stay informed about the latest filing season alerts by visiting the IRS website.
The IRS is actively processing tax returns and other forms. Taxpayers can refer to the IRS website for the most up-to-date information on processing times and other important updates. By staying informed, taxpayers can better understand the status of their returns and plan accordingly.
IRS Tax Refund Update – Delays and Smaller Refunds
FAQ
How long is the IRS currently taking to process paper returns?
Is the IRS accepting paper tax returns?
Does the IRS have a backlog of paper returns?
How long does it take to get tax refund once mailed?
Is the IRS still processing paper returns?
The IRS is still processing paper returns amid ‘unprecedented’ backlog The IRS has more than twice as many returns left to process compared to a typical year. Most Americans were required to file their 2021 taxes in April, and many looked forward to receiving their refunds in a timely manner.
How many tax returns has the IRS processed this year?
The IRS has also successfully processed the vast majority of tax returns filed this year: More than 143 million returns have been processed overall, with almost 98 million refunds worth more than $298 billion being issued. IRS employees continue working hard to process these and other tax returns filed in the order received.
When will tax returns be processed?
In a letter to lawmakers, Wally Adeyemo, the Treasury Department’s deputy secretary, and Charles P. Rettig, the I.R.S. commissioner, said the agency expected to finish processing all individual tax returns without errors that were received last year by the end of the week, with business returns filed in 2021 completed “shortly thereafter.”
How many tax returns have not been processed?
Millions of tax returns have not been processed as the I.R.S. tries to clear its backlog. The agency started the tax season with more than eight million unfinished returns from the previous year.