Amend or Late file - Need advice

[sidz82]

Hi,

I am awaiting SSN for my 8 year old daughter sometime next week. However, due to Federal holiday on Monday, I am now skeptical if I will receive the mail by Friday. I have already paid my tax due during April when I requested for extension.  Since my daughter was having ITIN last year, she didn't qualify for the federal tax stimulus. I was hoping that when I file the returns now after we receive her SSN, I can possibly claim the stimulus.

Now that I am anticipating a delay in SSN, I have only the following options.

1. File taxes by Oct 15 and leave the hope of claiming any unpaid stimulus

2. File taxes by Oct 15 and later file an amendment once we receive my child's SSN. I never amended my tax returns so it's a grey area for me. Is it something I can do self serve on turbo tax? And will I get an opportunity to include my child's SSN during amendment process?

3. Wait for the SSN and then file taxes even if it crosses the Oct 15 deadline. What are the repercussions? Is it going to be any penalty or will it be unlawful as well? I don't want to mess with IRS. Btw, I have already paid more than what I am due just to be sure that I don't incur any penalty.

Please suggest which of the options is wise given my situation.  

[Critter-3]

Do NOT NOT NOT file until you get the SS#  because if you do it will NOT be able to amend and get the credits later.  File late if needed ... if you will have a refund filing late is not a problem. 

[sidz82]

Thanks for the reply. Are there any legal implications of missing the tax deadline even when I have already paid the taxes I owe and expecting a refund? I don't want to end up in a situation where I am penalized legally. That would be a nightmare.

[Critter-3]

OK ... stop worrying ... on the return you will eventually file you will  NOT OWE ... you will have a refund and there is no penalty for filing a late return when there is a refund or no balance due.   Just because you estimated you would owe originally and paid it with an estimate doesn't mean you will file a balance due return in the end.    

[sidz82]

Hi,

I received my daughter's ssn today and would like to file 2020 returns. However, I am surprised to see that my unfinished 2020 return is no longer available on turbotax online. Is there a way to recover my unfinished return and finish the return on turbotax online?

[xmasbaby0 · Accepted solution]

@sidz82 Access the return using the same account and user ID that you used when you started working on the return---but first you will need the CD/download software.

Online tax preparation and e-filing for 2020 returns is now permanently closed.  Now it is too late to use online software or to e-file. If you have any changes/corrections at all to make to your 2020 return, you now have to complete it using desktop software, which you must download to a full PC or Mac  (not to a mobile device).Then you need to print, sign and mail it.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/2559403-how-do-i-finish-a-prior-year-return-that-i-started-in-turb...

If you already paid for your online software you can ask customer support for a download of the desktop software.

They are available from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific time Monday-Friday.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1899263-what-is-the-turbotax-phone-number

If you are getting a refund, there is no penalty for filing late.  If you owe tax due, then file and pay the amount due as shown on the Form 1040, but expect a bill later from the IRS for the penalty and interest you will owe.  Only the IRS will calculate this—TurboTax will not calculate it.

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/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.