e-file problem every year going forward?

[marcefountain]

I am trying to decide whether to use Turbotax for 2022. Last year I could not file from Turbotax electronically because my 2021 return was a paper return and the IRS hadn't processed it yet. That (of itself) is something I can understand. Where Turbotax failed me was no workaround and no help. I tried the AGI method and also entering zero. Did not work. I was forced to file again on paper after printing out my returns. My question is: Is Turbotax  going to help me this time? Does Turbo Tax have a workaround available if my 2021 return is again backlogged at the IRS? Am I doomed to file on paper forever if I stick with Turbo Tax?

[NCperson]

@marcefountain - the issue isn't turbo tax - it's the IRS.  if the IRS fails to load you AGI into their databases, then whether you use Turbo Tax, HR Block, etc, the same thing is going to occur when you try to efile.

The good news is that the IRS is slowly catching up (the backlogs are less than half what they were in June) and generally speaking tax returns will be easier this year (no advance child tax credit and no recovery rebates among other things) that will permit the IRS to process returns quicker with the same manpower.   So it's less likely that your situation will repeat itself.

When did you paper file? 

[Critter-3]

There is a work around ... if the IRS rejects the return  for the prior year AGI because you paper filed and the IRS didn't process it by the end of October then   simply enter a ZERO for the AGI.   Sadly if that trick doesn't work you will need to either mail in the return again OR  use a local paid tax pro who do not need the AGI verifiation. 

[marcefountain]

I paper filed for 2021 tax year in January 2022. But prior to that year my tax preparer e-filed for me every year for 20 years with no problems. I'm only on Turbo Tax because she retired. There must be a workaround where the IRS can validate my identity based on 20 years of E-filing or my passport or something.

[VolvoGirl]

Why did you have to mail 2021 in January 2022?  Did the efile reject?  Was it for the 2020 AGI and you also tried entering 0?  You may have tried to efile too early.  Something doesn't sound right.