topic Accidentally filed my 2016 return for a 2017 return. Will it get denied and I can redo it or would I have to contact the IRS myself? Help in After you file

Accidentally filed my 2016 return for a 2017 return. Will it get denied and I can redo it or would I have to contact the IRS myself? Help

gritty13 — Tue, 04 Jun 2019 20:00:29 GMT

The IRS should reject your tax return and then you can co...

DoninGA — Tue, 04 Jun 2019 20:00:31 GMT

The IRS should reject your tax return and then you can correct the 2017 return and e-file again. You do NOT amend a rejected tax return.

Okay I didn't file last year and I just wasn't sure what...

gritty13 — Tue, 04 Jun 2019 20:00:32 GMT

Okay I didn't file last year and I just wasn't sure what to do. I would have to download software from last year to do my 2016 return then do my 2017 separately?

What if the IRS accepts my return from 2016 for 2017 then...

gritty13 — Tue, 04 Jun 2019 20:00:34 GMT

What if the IRS accepts my return from 2016 for 2017 then what should I do? Take the money out and send it back? Not sure what to do if they don't reject it

Each tax year is a separate TurboTax program. The online...

DoninGA — Tue, 04 Jun 2019 20:00:35 GMT

Each tax year is a separate TurboTax program. The online editions are only for tax year 2017.

To complete a 2016 tax return using TurboTax you would need to purchase and download one of the 2016 desktop editions from this website - https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/past-years-products/

A 2016 tax return can only be printed and mailed, it cannot be e-filed.

Oh no. You mean you used the current online software to...

xmasbaby0 — Tue, 04 Jun 2019 20:00:38 GMT

Oh no. You mean you used the current online software to prepare a 2016 tax return? You have a problem. The online software is ONLY for 2017 tax returns. So you have used the wrong program and filed an incorrect return. It is going to sit on the server until January 29 when the IRS starts to accept or reject 2017 returns.

If you get lucky and the IRS rejects the return you just e-filed, you will be able to correct it and re-submit it. Cross your fingers for a rejection.

If the IRS accepts it, then you are going to have to wait until they fully process your wrong-year tax return and then amend it with the correct 2017 tax information.

Amending a tax return requires that you complete a form called a 1040X which becomes available in mid to late February; it then takes the IRS 3-4 month to process the 1040X. So it will be a long time before you are able to get a refund for your 2017 tax return.

Meanwhile, in order to correctly file your 2016 tax return, you have to use the desktop software which you download or install from a 2016 CD. You use your 2016 information and prepare a return which has to be printed, signed and mailed.

To purchase 2016 software: https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/past-years-products/

Everything you do to correct this is going to require printing, signing and mailing the correct paperwork. 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 received the return.

Wait until you see what you have to do with your e-filed return before you mail in anything for 2016. Post back here for further help if you need it.