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

[wml503]

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?

[KatrinaLO]

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

[gibsoncade]

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?

[Anonymous]

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]

[NPur]

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? 

[mesquitebean]

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@ 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? 

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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.

[nancysue]

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?

[3estrella2]

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

[HeatherPLO]

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

[nmmitsakos]

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

[KathrynG3]

Wait for the IRS to return your tax return for your signature.

This will delay the process, but your return will eventually be processed.

@nmmitsakos

[Devo2014spurs]

Yea I recently filed a return in the mail due to the fact I needed a uo pin I was required to so I was told that all I needed was to send it off not sign anything well I called turbo tax the next day and they said that I had to sign it and attach w2 so I resigned and sent another one off a day later will there be any problems? 

[MarilynG1]

@Devo2014spurs Hopefully the IRS will reject your unsigned return and send it back to you.

Then your signed return can be processed.  It's hard to predict exactly what the IRS will do

Click this link for info on How to Contact the IRS. 

[Devo2014spurs]

So what’s the worst that can possibly happen?

[DaveF1006]

Worse that could happen is they will send it back for you to sign to send back.