How to submit 2020 return after neglecting to press transmit button to finalize. (Current tax year is 2021)

[DigitalWinePress]

I have a friend who used the CD version of 2020 Turbo Tax Deluxe for the first time last tax season (2020 tax season). In doing his 2021 return he discovered he never pressed the button to file the tax electronically. The questions are:

Can we still use the 2020 Turbo Tax CD to finalize his 2020 return? I assume there may be interest and perhaps a penalty?? How will we discover what those might be and how to pay them?

Lastly, His 2021 return was rejected with code: IND-031-04. Is it likely that the fact his 2020 tax return was not sent (& therefore not rec'd) is the cause of the 2021 rejection. To be more specific, the code suggests "prior year AGI or self selected pin from last year does not match IRS records". Is his missing 2020 return the reason for 2021 rejection?

[xmasbaby0 · Accepted solution]

E-filing is permanently closed for 2020 returns.   The only way to file the 2020 return now is by mail.  It must be printed, signed and dated in ink, and mailed in.

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.

If you are getting a refund, there is not a penalty for filing past the deadline.  If you owe taxes, the interest/penalties will be calculated by the IRS based on how much you owe and when they receive your return and payment. The IRS will bill you for this; it will not be calculated by TurboTax.

And....since the 2020 return was not filed the IRS does not have a 2020 AGI in the system.   Choose to say you did not file a 2020 return or try using zero to e-file 2021.

[DigitalWinePress]

Thank you xmasbaby0,

You say,"And....since the 2020 return was not filed the IRS does not have a 2020 AGI in the system. Choose to say you did not file a 2020 return or try using zero to e-file 2021."

Basically two options there. If I choose to try one of the two and still get a rejected return can I try the other and still have free e-file option? How many tries with free e-file does one have? (Fed)

[VolvoGirl]

Yes you can keep trying to efile the same return.   You can efile 5 different returns for free.

And here's some info about Efiling.  

For the Desktop program you can check the filing status inside the program.  Open your return and go up to menu item

File > Electronic Filing > Check Electronic Filing Status

When you efile you get back 2 emails.  The first email only confirms the transmission.  The second email says if the IRS (or state) Accepted or Rejected your efile.  And check your spam folder for them.

So after it gets accepted you should open the return and update the status.  Then save your return. And be in the habit of saving frequently.  Go up to File-Save.

[DigitalWinePress]

Answer was..

"Choose to say you did not file a 2020 return or try using zero to e-file 2021."

Exactly where in the program (or process) do I enter one of those options? Is there a drop down menu to select 'did not file a 2020 return'? (CD Turbo Tax Deluxe version)

[HeatherPLO · Accepted solution]

Using 0 to e-file is to enter $0 for your prior year AGI.  To do this, please see the Help Article here for your Download/CD software.  

@DigitalWinePress

[DigitalWinePress]

I tried "Choose to say you did not file a 2020 return "

This worked and 2021 return was accepted! 2020 return has been printed and ready to mail (certified). However, an additional question arises. On the original 2020 form (which never got transmitted) "have refund applied to 2021 tax" was selected. The 2021 return had a refund also (direct deposit). The question:

How will the 2020 refund happen since the 2021 return (e-filed) will likely result in a quicker refund with direct deposit (maybe even before mailed 2020 return arrives). Will 2020 refund be:

1) also direct deposited

2) held over against 2022 tax obligation, or

3) be sent via U.S. mail service?

Thank you!

[CarissaM]

The 2020 refund would be sent via U.S. mail in the form of a paper check. @DigitalWinePress