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How to do delete a tax return that has already been submitted

I filed the wrong year
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How to do delete a tax return that has already been submitted

You cannot change or add anything on the return that you just e-filed, nor can you stop it.  It is too late, just like when you put an envelope in a US mailbox on the corner.  The IRS does not allow you to take it back.

 

If you left out a W-2, a 1099G, or a dependent, or a 1099 etc…DO NOT change your return while it is “pending.”  The changes will go nowhere.

 

Now you have to wait until the IRS either rejects or accepts your return.  If your return is rejected, you will be able to go into your account and make the necessary changes to your tax return and re-submit your return. 

 

Sometimes—not always— the IRS corrects your mistakes, while they are processing your return.

 

 If the IRS accepts your return, however, then you have to wait longer until it has been fully processed and you have received your refund.  THEN you can prepare an amended tax return and e-file or mail  it in. You have to be able to work from that return exactly the way it was when it was e-filed originally.  You will need to use a form called a 1040X.

 

  Meanwhile, DO NOT go in and start changing anything on your return in the system, or you will make a mess for yourself.  Sit tight and wait until you see what the IRS does with the return you just e-filed.

 

 

What year were you trying to file?   Do you still need to file a return for that year?

 

You cannot change the tax year.   The current online program is for 2025 only.   Only a 2025 return can be prepared online and only a 2025 return can be e-filed.

 

Online preparation and e-filing for 2022, 2023, and  2024 is permanently closed.

Note:  The desktop software you need to prepare the prior year return must be installed/downloaded to a full PC or Mac.  It cannot be used on a mobile device.

 

To file a return for a prior tax year

 If you need to prepare a return for 2022, 2023, or 2024  you can purchase and download desktop software to do it, then print, sign,  and mail the return(s)

https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/past-years-products/

You may also want to explore purchasing the software from various retailers such as Amazon, Costco, Best Buy, Walmart, Sam’s, etc.

 

Remember to prepare your state return as well—if you live in a state that has a state income tax.

 

https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/state-taxes/contact-state-department-rev...

 

 

When you mail a tax return, you need to attach any documents showing tax withheld, such as your W-2’s or any 1099’s.  Use a mailing service that will track it, such as certified mail so you will know the IRS/state received the return.

 

Federal and state returns must be in separate envelopes and they are mailed to different addresses.  Read the mailing instructions that print with your tax return carefully so you mail them to the right addresses.

 

 

**Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to offer the most correct information possible. The poster disclaims any legal responsibility for the accuracy of the information that is contained in this post.**
JohnB5677
Expert Alumni

How to do delete a tax return that has already been submitted

You cannot delete a tax return once it's been submitted.

  • If you filed a 2024 tax return as a 2024 tax return, but filed it again in 2025, it will probably be rejected.
  • If you took 2024 tax information and put it in a 2025 tax return and filed it, it may be accepted and you'll have to amend it.
  • If you have a 2025 return with the 2025 correctly posted to it, you can still E-file it.
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