Get your taxes done using TurboTax

WRONG #1:   "Also, you will need to file Form 1040X, rather than Form 1040. "

1) One does not file a 1040X INSTEAD of a 1040. Wrong wrong wrong. You still file a 1040... and then ADD or subsequently file, after the fact, a 1040X amendment. The 1040 reports a complete accounting, whereas a 1040X reports ONLY the information that is being AMENDED. When amending with a 1040X, you file BOTH.

2) Many people submitted their info to the IRS using the "non-filer" form, because for the first 2 weeks that the feature was available on the IRS web site, it appeared that people who had not filed a 2019 YET, could use this form to make sure their address and Direct Deposit info was correct. So many people used the feature for this purpose. They hadn't filed a 2019 return YET, and wanted to make sure the IRS had their correct info to receive their stimulus check. 

It was after TWO WEEKS of poor information on the IRS web site, did they add a yellow colored "warning box" instructing people to not use this feature just to update their information.

BUT... now that you have alerted the IRS that you are a non-filer, you will not be able to submit via e-file or through TurboTaxes e-file feature, because the IRS rejects your e-file believing it to be a fraudulent SECOND FILING.... which it is not. But, the IRS system, "THINK" that it is. You'll need to send in a paper return by snail-mail.

The 1040X Amended Return form, IS OF NO USE for this purpose. The 1040X for is ONLY for "financial" modifications. There is no provision on that form to change your IRS status from "Non-filer" to "Yes-filer". 

At this time, I am unaware of any mechanism for changing your status from non-filer to filer. I am sending in my paper return with a 4 sentence cover letter to alert the IRS why they are receiving a paper return from me. It should be obvious when they receive the paper return, and have no other return on file AT ALL, what the situation is and accept the paper return. Fingers crossed. 

WRONG #2:  "If you used the TurboTax site to submit your return, you will be able to use your TurboTax account that you created to work through your amended return. "

1) TurboTax CAN NOT be used to file an amended return. An amended return CAN ONLY be filed by paper via snail-mail.

WRONG #3:  "If you used the TurboTax site to submit your return, you will be able to use your TurboTax account that you created to work through your amended return. "

1) Once you declare your return as "Complete" in TurboTax, TurboTax "LOCKS you out" of making any other changes to your return. You can't fix it, you can't change it, you can't even access the form questions. NOTHING.

(It MAY be possible to phone TurboTax Support and have them "re-set" your account so that you can retroactively make changes. They can do this for other scenarios but I haven't verified for this scenario. BUT... if a return has been e-filed already, you CAN NOT make any additional changes via the TurboTax software.)

2) For people who accidentally submitted on the IRS website that they are a "non-filer" when in fact they ARE trying to file a 2019 return... these people will NOT be able to e-file by ANY method, or via ANY software. The IRS will have locked them out of the e-file system, and they have no choice but to file by paper via snail mail.

3) IF ....

A)  ... you are locked out of e-file by the IRS and can not e-file your return, AND

B) ... you want to print you paper return using TurboTax, AND

C) ... you have already declared in the TurboTax software that your return is "Complete"

.... you CAN NOT go back into the TurboTax program and make any changes. TurboTax does not allow this after you have declared your file complete. 

(It MAY be possible to phone TurboTax Support and have them "re-set" your account so that you can retroactively make changes. They can do this for other scenarios but I haven't verified for this scenario. BUT... if a return has been e-filed already, you CAN NOT make any additional changes via the TurboTax software.)

At the time of this writing... May 1st 2020....

- the IRS website offers NO INFORMATION on how to change your non-filer status to filer status. The 1040X Amended Return form WIL NOT WORK, for this purpose.

- the IRS phone services are NOT AVAILABLE due to COVID-19 limitations.

Suggestions:

- IF you OWE money with your return, you have until the extended deadline of June 15th 2020 to file your return and pay. So, why not just wait 4-6 weeks and see if the IRS can provide more guidance between now and then... or see if the IRS phone support services go back online in the next 4-6 weeks... and ask them directly. You have until June 15th, so why not wait and see if better information comes out from the IRS.

- IF you are due a RETURN of FUNDS to you from the IRS... (as I am)... Send in your paper return via snail mail, and attach a simple 3-4 sentence cover letter which explains what should be self evident to the IRS when they receive a paper return on an account which shows non-filer status. Your (and my) return will likely need to go into some kind of "secondary review" and be delayed an additional week or two. But I'm confident it will get processed.

- BEWARE of the s**t-ton of bad answers from people in these forums. It is remarkable how many people are offering advice which is completely wrong, and don't seem to know what they are talking about... yet have great confidence about their nonsense and gibberish.