Yes, the IRS can and does "reject" or fail to process paper returns, often routing them to the "Unpostables Unit" due to errors like invalid Social Security numbers, name mismatches, or missing signatures. While you can legally file via paper, these returns have a much higher error rate ( 21 % 2 1 % ) compared to e-filing ( 0.5 % 0 . 5 % ).
If you're filing a paper copy of your tax return, the IRS won't technically reject it because of missing or incorrect information. However, your return won't be considered as filed until it's corrected. You'll receive a notice in the mail requesting any missing information, so keep an eye on your mailbox.
Effective September 30, 2025, the IRS discontinued the issuance of paper checks for all tax-related refunds. All payments from the IRS will be made electronically via direct deposit, electronic funds transfer, prepaid debit cards, or other approved digital methods.
The IRS maintains that filing returns electronically can prevent mistakes and lower the odds of an audit. The error rate for a paper return is 21%. The error rate for returns filed electronically is 0.5%.
Here are 12 IRS audit triggers to be aware of:
Not reporting all of your income is an easy-to-avoid red flag that can lead to an audit. Taking excessive business tax deductions and mixing business and personal expenses can lead to an audit. The IRS mostly audits tax returns of those earning more than $200,000 and corporations with more than $10 million in assets.
Generally, the IRS aims to process tax returns and issue refunds within 21 days, particularly for returns filed electronically. Sometimes, refunds can be issued in as little as 10 days. However, paper filed returns may take four weeks or more due to manual processing.
E-filing is the best way for most people to file taxes, but there are cases where you may be forced to paper file. For instance, if your return has been rejected multiple times or you need to complete a form that cannot be e-filed.
If you file more than 60 days after the due date, the minimum penalty is $525 (for tax returns required to be filed in 2026) or 100% of your unpaid tax, whichever is less.
If you file a complete and accurate paper tax return, your refund should be issued in about six to eight weeks from the date IRS receives your return. If you file your return electronically, your refund should be issued in less than three weeks, even faster when you choose direct deposit.
Check your federal tax return status online
If you are receiving a tax refund, use the IRS Where's My Refund tool to see if your return was accepted. You can view the status for the past 3 tax years.
March 2021 – IRS destroys 30 million paper-filed, informational tax returns.
Using a reputable tax preparer – including certified public accountants, enrolled agents or other knowledgeable tax professionals – can also help avoid errors.
Although the IRS encourages taxpayers to submit their returns electronically, you can still file a paper tax return. And thanks to its paperless processing initiative, the IRS now digitally processes all paper-filed tax and information returns.
One-time forgiveness, officially known as First-Time Penalty Abatement (FTA), is an IRS program that allows qualified taxpayers to have certain penalties removed from their tax accounts.
Businesses that show losses are more likely to be audited, especially if the losses are recurring. The IRS might suspect that you must be making more money than you're reporting. Otherwise, why would you stay in business? Most likely to be audited are taxpayers reporting small business losses.
The IRS will: Assist taxpayers who have been misled to correct their returns; and. Vigorously pursue prosecution and prison sentences for individuals who violate the tax laws.