Delayed 2020 tax refund - still NOTHING

[Klugscheißer 183]

Hey there 😊

 

Been a while since I started my own topic. But now I'm a little lost and could need some guidance.

So, any help will be appreciated!

 

I have to file for ROC in a couple months and already started to get everything together. Problem is, we still haven't received anything from the IRS about our jointly filed 2020 taxes. And this would be the only joint tax return I could provide to the USCIS.

We paper filed in February 2021.

Unfortunately, we don't know the exact day because the only copy we kept wasn't signed or dated yet, as well as it was send without a tracking number or anything. So, we don't have a receipt either (stupid, I know). Both of us have called the IRS multiple times throughout the past year and requested inquiries. They tell us, they received the tax return, but haven't worked on it yet. In our online accounts or in the "where's my refund" section is no information at all. Not even that it was received.

Now it's been four months since either of us talked to the IRS because it's not possible to get anyone on the phone anymore.

 

I got a little desperate and nervous, so I thought, I'm gonna try a different strategy... I sent another 2020 tax return about a month ago. Hoping it would either trigger an error message and the IRS tells me they already received one and start working on it... or start working on the new one.

Well, neither has happened yet. But at least I kept a signed copy and also sent the letter with a tracking number, so I have proof and a receipt.

 

I'm still hoping, I will get ANY response by the time I have to file for ROC. But I've been wondering...

What happens, if I don't?

I was thinking that I could write a letter explaining the situation and also send the first unsigned copy, as well as the new signed copy and the receipt of the new one. But other than that, I have no idea what to do. Especially, if they're gonna send me an RFE for it. I most likely can't provide anything.

 

I'll be more than thankful, if someone with experience and knowledge can help me out! I'm starting to panic a little over here 😰

[Rocio0010 5,599]

26 minutes ago, MalinRonja said:

We paper filed in February 2021.

On your own? Or with an accountant? If you went to a CPA you should have signed an agreement form that could back up that you filed jointly.

 

29 minutes ago, MalinRonja said:

What happens, if I don't?

Your tax return (w2s, etc) show your marital status, right? Then send the whole tax return,  with a letter explaining the situation.

Hopefully this is not the only evidence you can send!

[JeanneAdil 6,606]

any written notice from IRS saying received it /not yet working on it? 

other than the phone calls?

 

take your copy of 1040 and your W2's to interview

[Klugscheißer 183]

28 minutes ago, Rocio0010 said:

On your own? Or with an accountant? If you went to a CPA you should have signed an agreement form that could back up that you filed jointly.

Yes, on our own. No accountant.

28 minutes ago, Rocio0010 said:

Your tax return (w2s, etc) show your marital status, right? Then send the whole tax return,  with a letter explaining the situation.

I think so 🤔

But I'll double check!

Edited May 6, 2022 by MalinRonja

[Klugscheißer 183]

28 minutes ago, Rocio0010 said:

Hopefully this is not the only evidence you can send!

No, got some other stuff, too.

 

For example:

- 401k beneficiary

- life insurance beneficiary

- health insurance beneficiary

- same car insurance policy

- authorized user of same credit card

- mutual address on driver's license, carry permit, letters, etc.

- pictures

[Klugscheißer 183]

26 minutes ago, JeanneAdil said:

any written notice from IRS saying received it /not yet working on it? 

other than the phone calls?

No, unfortunately not.

When I sent the last inquiry last fall, they said they would send me something in the mail. Never received anything.

[Klugscheißer 183]

2 minutes ago, MalinRonja said:

No, got some other stuff, too.

 

For example:

- 401k beneficiary

- life insurance beneficiary

- health insurance beneficiary

- same car insurance policy

- authorized user of same credit card

- mutual address on driver's license, carry permit, letters, etc.

- pictures

But we already used some of the stuff for our AOS application. I'll just send it again anyway.

[JeanneAdil 6,606]

2 minutes ago, MalinRonja said:

No, unfortunately not.

When I sent the last inquiry last fall, they said they would send me something in the mail. Never received anything.

cover our butt by sending email to IRS asking about the holdup of 2020 taxes 

print it out and take it with copy of original 1040 and W2's   to interview (copies  u need the original for your records )

[Crazy Cat 42,033]

1 hour ago, MalinRonja said:

I got a little desperate and nervous, so I thought, I'm gonna try a different strategy... I sent another 2020 tax return about a month ago. Hoping it would either trigger an error message and the IRS tells me they already received one and start working on it... or start working on the new one.

That was a mistake........Normally, you don't get anything from the IRS after filing other than a transcript which is available when you request it.  You should use a copies of the tax return packages for immigration purposes.  

[Klugscheißer 183]

34 minutes ago, Crazy Cat said:

That was a mistake........Normally, you don't get anything from the IRS after filing other than a transcript which is available when you request it.  You should use a copies of the tax return packages for immigration purposes.  

Well, before I sent the second one, I looked online, if it could harm any to send another one... I know, it technically makes no sense to do it, but other than rejecting it, nothing should happen.

As I said, I just hoped it might trigger something. And even if it's just "we refused your tax return because we already received one". I just want ANYTHING from them.

[Klugscheißer 183]

42 minutes ago, JeanneAdil said:

cover our butt by sending email to IRS asking about the holdup of 2020 taxes 

print it out and take it with copy of original 1040 and W2's   to interview (copies  u need the original for your records )

Where do you find an email address to contact them? Have already tried that months ago, but didn't find anything.

[beloved_dingo 1,981]

Have you tried getting an appointment at an IRS office?

https://www.irs.gov/help/contact-your-local-irs-office

[Klugscheißer 183]

6 minutes ago, beloved_dingo said:

Have you tried getting an appointment at an IRS office?

https://www.irs.gov/help/contact-your-local-irs-office

Thank you!

I didn't even know they had offices 🤦🏻‍♀️

[JeanneAdil 6,606]

The IRS maintains a network of local offices known as Taxpayer Assistance Centers (TACs), where you can go to ask questions and get service. You can visit the IRS website to search for a Taxpayer Assistance Center office near you.

 

The IRS began reopening TACs in June 2020, but you can still only visit with an appointment as of late 2021. Call 844-545-5640 to find out whether your nearest TAC is open and to reserve a time slot.9

[randy32 165]

You Filed 2020 tax. You have not yet gotten your refund and does not show the status online.

This means that it is in a stack somewhere.

Filing a 2nd one, calling or making visiting a local office is useless. None of them can do anything till someone gets to your submission.

 

Take the copy of the 1040 and supporting documents that you have, sign it with an approximate date and submit with your ROC if your return has not been processed.

the requirement is "tax transcript" or "1040 and supporting documents" not if it has been processed by the IRS.

FYI the received date on a transcript is always the due date and not the date you filed.

 

If you get a RFE, then you respond accordingly or you address it at the interview if one is required. No need getting desperate.