No, it is neither a bug nor a poor (as you said it, "shoddy") business practice. The IRS is not beginning to accept any returns for processing until February 12th, 2021 for tax year 2020. Therefore, neither are most all States as there are very few that now allow filing independent of the confirmed acceptance of the associated federal return - this is mandated now by the IRS and has not always been the case. In addition, most States have not yet finalized their tax forms and as they are finalizing, we are receiving these updates. But still returns will not begin to be accepted until the 12th as I previously stated.
You are correct in that you could have gone to the Post Office and mailed your returns, but you would be no better off and more than likely worse off had you done so. E-filing is truly now the best, most efficient, and safest way for you to file your returns. This particular year has just created some set-backs in filing - either way.
