Did you mail your tax returns? Rejection is simply an indication that something on your return does not match the IRS technical database and can’t be e-filed. You are still required to file a tax return which you will do base printing, signing, and mailing the return. You must also mail your state returns if you had a state return that you could not file.

If you have not filed your 2018 and 2019 returns, do so now. We don’t know what the IRS will do about late tax returns and the stimulus payment. Make sure that you file your 2020 return as well. The stimulus payment may be recalculated and paid on your 2020 return if it was not paid earlier.

We need to understand when and how you tried to file a 2018 return.  Did you try to file it timely back in 2019?  You had until October 15, 2019 to e-file a 2018 return.  After that, you had to print, sign and mail it.  E-filing for 2018 has been closed for 2018 returns since the October 2019 deadline.

If you recently tried to prepare a 2018 return--you could only prepare it correctly if you used desktop (CD/download) software and mailed it in.  

The current online software program is only for a 2019 return--no other year.  If you tried to e-file 2019, you do not have a 2018 AGI in the IRS system, so your only chance at e-filing it is to use zero as the AGI.  If zero does not let you e-file 2019, then 2019 has to be printed, signed and mailed.

As stated, the IRS looks at your 2018 or 2019 returns to issue a stimulus check.  If they do not have a return for either year then at this point you might have to wait until you file your 2020 return next year to receive it.

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.