Pandemic Backlog

Backlog not withstanding, return processing this year was super quick! I always rough-up a return in January and pay in a 4th quarter estimated payment sufficient to buy some paper I Bonds for the grandkids. I leave a small amount to be refunded so that I'll know when the return has been processed. This year, I e-filed on April 17th, the refund was in the bank five days later on April 22nd, and the I bonds are coming in today's mail, 12 days after filing.