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New Member
posted Jun 6, 2019 1:33:34 AM

I forgot to sign my tax return and it has already been mailed. What will happen?

I mailed my tax return with out signing by accident. What should I do?

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24 Replies
Level 15
Jun 6, 2019 1:33:35 AM

A printed and mailed federal tax return without a signature will be returned by the IRS to the address shown on the tax return.  Sign the tax return and mail back to the IRS.

New Member
Jun 6, 2019 1:33:37 AM

Will it take longer

Level 15
Jun 6, 2019 1:33:38 AM

Well yes.  You have to sign it and mail it again.  The clock starts over.

New Member
Jun 6, 2019 1:33:40 AM

Is this the same for state tax returns? (Specifically CA)

New Member
Jun 6, 2019 1:33:41 AM

What if they mail it back and it is after April 17th. Will it still be okay since it was originally post marked before the 17th?

New Member
Jun 6, 2019 1:33:43 AM

what is the address I send it to

Level 15
Jun 6, 2019 1:33:46 AM

It should say on the instruction page or look it up here……
<a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://www.irs.gov/uac/where-to-file-paper-tax-returns-with-or-without-a-payment">https://www.irs.gov/uac/where-to-file-paper-tax-returns-with-or-without-a-payment</a>

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 UPS or certified mail so you will know the IRS received the return.

4 weeks after mailing you can start checking for a federa refund l here,  <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds">https://www.irs.gov/refunds</a>

Level 1
Jun 6, 2019 1:33:47 AM

It would be wonderful if Turbo Tax would remind us in BOLD lettering to sign the return, especially since simplicity and a walk-through is the very reason we bought the software? I asked them to add this and they rudely told me it is written somewhere in the instructions so it is not their problem. Hope they change their attitude and focus more on the client experience.

Level 15
Jun 6, 2019 1:33:49 AM

It is indeed listed on the instruction page.

New Member
Jan 29, 2020 6:50:46 PM

Is there anyway to correct the problem like any forms i can send back 

New Member
Jan 29, 2020 6:51:50 PM

Is there anyway to correct the problem like any forms i can send back. Can i resend it again

Intuit Alumni
Jan 29, 2020 6:59:06 PM

No there isn't a way to correct it, a printed and mailed federal tax return without a signature will be returned by the IRS to the address shown on the tax return. You will need to wait until the IRS mails it back to you to sign the tax return and mail back to the IRS.

New Member
Feb 4, 2020 7:18:26 PM

Can you just send a whole new tax return beings as though you caught the mistake before they caught it

Expert Alumni
Feb 4, 2020 7:45:45 PM

Yes you can create ( or even just print another copy if you do not have changes) and mail it.  The IRS will send the unsigned return back without processing it.

New Member
Mar 3, 2020 12:58:00 PM

Hello, thanks for all your help so far. Question, I forgot to sign my tax forms (both fed and state), and sent them in. I received a late 1099 and need to amend. Can I send the amended (and signed) forms in, and then re-sign and send the original returns? I'm assuming they will also return the checks, correct?

Intuit Alumni
Mar 3, 2020 1:10:08 PM

In all likelihood, the IRS will simply send you a letter requesting your signature and once they receive your signature, they'll go ahead and process your return. If you need to amend your return, you will not be able to until it has been accepted/rejected by the IRS. Please see the below FAQ for more information on amending a 2019 tax return:

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/amending/help/how-do-i-amend-my-turbotax-online-return/00/27577

New Member
Mar 16, 2020 6:56:06 PM

I forgot to sign my tax return and they just mailed it back to me. Could I file it online now, or do I have to mail it back to the IRS?

 

Not applicable
Mar 16, 2020 7:07:15 PM

Are you using Turbo Tax Live?  If you are, here is how you contact your Turbo Tax Live Expert.

 

                                                                                                                            [Edited 03/16/2020 10:19 pm EST]

New Member
Apr 19, 2020 4:41:30 PM

Hi, I forgot to sign my mail filed tax return. I got it back, signed it and sent it off about a month ago. When I check to see if the IRS has processed it yet, they have no record of it. How much longer should I expect to wait? 

Level 15
Apr 19, 2020 4:48:35 PM


@ NPur 

wrote:

Hi, I forgot to sign my mail filed tax return. I got it back, signed it and sent it off about a month ago. When I check to see if the IRS has processed it yet, they have no record of it. How much longer should I expect to wait? 


Even in normal times it takes at least 4 weeks for a mailed return to even show up in the IRS "Where's My Refund" tool.   With the Coronavirus situation, however, the IRS is not processing paper returns for the time being, so it may not even be logged into their system for a while.

 

But check these things:

 

When using the IRS WMR tool, be sure you enter the correct SSN and filing status.
https://www.irs.gov/Refunds

 

Use only the Federal refund amount.  Do not use any combined total refund figure that includes the state refund.


Look at your actual 2019 return to get the Federal refund amount.  Be sure you are using what is displayed on your Federal Form 1040, Line 21a for the Federal refund amount.

 

You can also try phoning the IRS refund hotline.  I've seen it work for some users before when the WMR tool didn't.

800-829-1954

 

If you don't find evidence in either place, then you are just in limbo for a while until they resume paper processing.   You can't phone to check on it because the IRS live assistance call centers are not taking calls.

Level 2
Sep 16, 2020 10:40:07 AM

You say I can send a signed and corrected copy  BEFORE the unsigned copy is returned to me, is that correct?  (this is an S-Corp 1120S).  I mailed it yesterday, on the date it was due with extension.  Will I be penalized for late filing the correct copy?  Can I send it today, or must I wait a period of time?

Level 1
Mar 4, 2021 10:22:10 AM

I signed my tax return when it was sent back to me but I have not receive my refund for 2018

Intuit Alumni
Mar 4, 2021 10:31:13 AM

Have you reached out directly to the IRS concerning this matter?  To get to a live agent, please see the instructions below:

 

Call the IRS:  1-800-829-1040  hours 7 AM - 7 PM local time Monday-Friday

 

When calling the IRS do NOT choose the first option re: "Refund", or it will send you to an automated phone line.  

So after first choosing your language, then do NOT choose Option 1 (refund info).  Choose option 2 for "personal income tax" instead.

Then press 1 for "form, tax history, or payment".   

Then press 3 "for all other questions."

Then press 2 "for all other questions." 

- When it asks you to enter your SSN or EIN to access your account information, don’t enter anything.  

- After it asks twice, you will get another menu.

Then press 2 for personal or individual tax questions.

It should then transfer you to an agent.

 

You can also contact your local IRS office.  See this IRS website for local IRS offices - http://www.irs.gov/uac/Contact-Your-Local-IRS-Office-1

 

Or, you may want to contact a Taxpayer Advocate in your area.  See this IRS website for Taxpayer Advocate in your area and a toll-free number - http://www.irs.gov/Advocate/Local-Taxpayer-Advocate

 

New Member
Mar 16, 2021 8:42:44 PM

I forgot to sign my 1040 And I sent it to the IRS already. What do I do next?