As of May 31st, there were 21.3 million unprocessed paper returns. That is a 1.3 million jump from a year ago. Paper filed returns have exceeded 6 months, with many waiting 10 months or more. On a more positive note, the IRS has implemented a new scanning technology to boost efficiency. They have a plan to hire 10,000 workers, starting with 5,000 new employees. As of May, the IRS has not even hired half of the 5,000 new employees.