I paid $219 to prepare and file a return and got email saying it was filed and now the IRS says it was never filed.

Paying your fee did not file your return.  Did you go all the way through the FILE section and click a big orange button that said "Transmit my returns now?"    If you did not do that, then your return was not filed.---Or does your account say something like "rejected,", "printed," or "ready to  mail?"  If it says anything other than "accepted" it was not filed successfully and you will now need to file it by mail.   E-filing is permanently closed for past year returns.

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 certified mail so you will know the IRS/state received the return.

Federal and state returns must be in separate envelopes and they are mailed to different addresses.  Read the mailing instructions that print with your tax return carefully so you mail them to the right addresses.

Did you e-file your tax return and was it accepted?

After completing the File section and e-filing your tax return you will receive two emails from TurboTax. The first email when your tax return was transmitted and the second email when the tax return has either been accepted or rejected.

To check the status of an e-filed return, open up your desktop product or log into your TurboTax Online Account. You can find your status within the TurboTax product.

What is the status of the e-filed tax return?