I didn't know that I was supposed to print the return and mail it out and now it looks like I am past the deadline. What do I do?

[rjs]

Print the tax return and mail it now. If you are getting a refund there is no penalty for filing late.

The tag below your question indicates that you are using TurboTax Live. Before you mail your tax return you should contact a TurboTax Live tax expert to make sure you are doing everything correctly. You are paying extra for that service. See the following FAQ for instructions to contact a TurboTax Live tax expert.

How do I connect with a tax expert in TurboTax Live?

[DoninGA · Accepted solution]

You can either print, sign, date and mail the 2021 tax return to the IRS or you can e-file the 2021 tax return.

See this TurboTax support FAQ for changing from mail to e-file - https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/tax-return/change-mail-e-file-turbotax-o...

If you choose to mail the tax return, see this TurboTax support FAQ for how print and mail the return - https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/printers-printing/print-mail-return-turb...

If you have a tax refund there is no penalty for filing the tax return after the due date.

If you have taxes owed, pay the taxes as soon as possible as penalties and interest will continue to accrue until the taxes owed have been paid.  The IRS will send a bill in the mail for any penalty and interest after they receive the tax payment.

[NCperson]

@alissaleschke suggest sending the package so that it is tracked and signed for at the IRS.  that way you have confirmation they have receiver it.  Then prepare for a LONG wait.  Best estimates are that since the IRS is so woefully backlogged and they generally process in the order received, it'll take 6-9 months for your return to be processed.  It won't be visible on the WMR tool until they begin processing it, but with that post office receipt you will have peice of mind that the IRS has it. 

[Opus 17]

If you are really using Turbotax Live (and that's not a mistaken tag on your post), then contact your live expert first.

Your return would only say "ready to print and mail" if you chose to file by mail, or were forced to file by mail due to an unusual tax situation.  If you can e-file, it would be much better since mailed returns are very backlogged.  Your expert should be able to tell you why you must mail your return, or if you can go back into the program and e-file instead. 

[alissaleschke]

Thank you so much! I went in and changed it to e-file by following the directions you sent through that link and the taxes got accepted that same day. I should be getting the returns in a few weeks. Grateful for your help!