This may be the place the October date is from, below is the IRS free file date. So the question still remains who can transmit the return by efile since it stays open? This isn't a question about the Turbotax software date that shows up and has at the filing screen. I'm simply saying is there a reason an individual can not efile. It may just be that Turbotax and the other software providers use this free portal from the IRS. The IRS may and it appears does somehow take efile up to November 17th. Who and under what circumstance can one efile with the IRS? It has been proposed that only professional preparers have access. That may very well be the answer here. It seems in an electronic age if the servers are open for efile at the IRS are they only open to certain companies? Can one prepare their taxes using their software and go to say company X and they will transmit it for you?
Complete respect to all who have answered this. I think it's a reasonable question if the IRS accepts efile how and under what circumstance can one do that after October 15th.
IRS site below:
https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free
Can I still use Free File?
Yes, you can! If you filed for an extension or you still need to e-file your 2018 federal return, you can use Free File to prepare and e-file your return for free.
IRS Free File is still available through October 15 at midnight ET to prepare and file returns electronically.
