Did anyone else file a paper return and never received a notice or was told the IRS was not going to process paper returns for 2021?

let's not start rumors! Simply the IRS is quite far behind processing and the biggest issue is paper returns.  I'd assume 6 months from filing until they process.  They have commited to Congress to get back to normal processing times by the end of the year. 

most of the backlog is paper returns. 

See this link: 

https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-operations-during-covid-19-mission-critical-functions-continue#collapseCollapsible1639064526818

As of May 14, 2022, we had 9.8 million unprocessed individual returns which include returns received before 2022, and new tax year 2021 returns. Of these, 2.4 million returns require error correction or other special handling, and 7.4 million are paper returns waiting to be reviewed and processed.

the IRS would never send a notice to a taxpayer saying they refuse to process their paper return. that doesn't mean the IRS might not send a notice saying they need something before they can process the return. some taxpayers don't sign or date the return. others omit required forms and/or schedules.  and on rare occasions, the return gets so badly mangled by the USPS or IRS mail machines that the copy is unusable. but in these cases, it would just request another copy. 

it is possible that if you mail a return that it could get lost at the USPS. the IRS might not send a notice about non-filing unless it records indicated that a return should be filed. that's why when you mail a return you should always use a method where you'll be notified of delivery.  the USPS uses commercial airlines, UPS and FedEx to deliver first-class mail intercity.  sadly once in a rare while one of these planes crashes and the mail burns up. there is an attempt made to recover as much as possible. haven't heard of one recently. but.........