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Can I e-file if I already chose to file and sent my returns in the mail?

I didn't realize how much longer mailing took than e-filing
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1 Best answer

Accepted Solutions
Heather14
New Member

Can I e-file if I already chose to file and sent my returns in the mail?

Yes, you can change your filing choice to e-file as long as you haven't already mailed your tax return. 

If you use TurboTax Online and you selected that you wanted to print and mail your tax return, then TurboTax will treat your return as if you have filed.  If that is the case, you will no longer see, "Take me to my return/Continue my return" on your account.  To get around that issue, you will do the following:

  •  Log in to your TurboTax Online account
  • Click on Taxes, and then click on My Tax Timeline
  • Locate your 2016 tax return on that page 
  • Find  "Some things you can do" under your 2016 tax return information
  • Choose Add a State (you don't actually add one; that's just to get the return to open up.)
  • Now you can follow the instructions listed in the TurboTax FAQ below to change to e-filing your return, rather than filing by mail. 

Please see the following TurboTax FAQ for instructions on how to do so. 

https://ttlc.intuit.com/replies/3985787

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9 Replies
Heather14
New Member

Can I e-file if I already chose to file and sent my returns in the mail?

Yes, you can change your filing choice to e-file as long as you haven't already mailed your tax return. 

If you use TurboTax Online and you selected that you wanted to print and mail your tax return, then TurboTax will treat your return as if you have filed.  If that is the case, you will no longer see, "Take me to my return/Continue my return" on your account.  To get around that issue, you will do the following:

  •  Log in to your TurboTax Online account
  • Click on Taxes, and then click on My Tax Timeline
  • Locate your 2016 tax return on that page 
  • Find  "Some things you can do" under your 2016 tax return information
  • Choose Add a State (you don't actually add one; that's just to get the return to open up.)
  • Now you can follow the instructions listed in the TurboTax FAQ below to change to e-filing your return, rather than filing by mail. 

Please see the following TurboTax FAQ for instructions on how to do so. 

https://ttlc.intuit.com/replies/3985787

gaderen33
New Member

Can I e-file if I already chose to file and sent my returns in the mail?

It's not allowing me to see the file page it just keeps bringing me to the amend page and says I have to wait for an amendment form.
Masones1
New Member

Can I e-file if I already chose to file and sent my returns in the mail?

Same here I’m really getting frustrated by it 

nuagesk8r
New Member

Can I e-file if I already chose to file and sent my returns in the mail?

I've tried this workaround and it won't let me change the filing mode to e-file. Just keeps saying that I need an amendment form. Honestly I didn't know it was such a hassle switching to e-file instead of mailing in your taxes.

nuagesk8r
New Member

Can I e-file if I already chose to file and sent my returns in the mail?

And of course, I'm not able to talk to a customer service representative unless I "upgrade" my account.

Can I e-file if I already chose to file and sent my returns in the mail?

@nuagesk8r 

The title of this old thread sounds like it is from someone who said they had already sent their returns in the mail, so in that person's case it should not be efiled.

 

I'll assume you haven't actually mailed your return since you said "instead of mailing."  You should only change the filing method if you have not actually physically filed anything by mail.  If you have already physically mailed it, then do not efile.  

 

This is an old thread from 3 years ago about 2016 returns.    Several of the steps above are old and don't apply anymore.   The website has been redesigned since then.   This thread transferred in from the old forum last summer.

 

You mentioned an amendment form.   If you started an amended return by mistake, you'll need to undo it, so it will revert to an original return and allow for the efile choice.   If that's what happened, see this FAQ:

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/amending/help/how-do-i-cancel-or-undo-an-amended-return-in-turbota...

 

Normally to get attention and help with your issue, you should start your own new thread so it shows up as unanswered and with your issue in the title.  Below the title is a box for additional details if needed.  You can use the "Ask a Question" button at the page below.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/taxes/discussion/02/202

 

You said you don't qualify for phone support.   If you're using Free Edition, you can contact a Support agent directly via messaging at Twitter or Facebook for free.

https://twitter.com/TeamTurboTax
or
https://www.facebook.com/turbotax

 

Can I e-file if I already chose to file and sent my returns in the mail?

@nuagesk8r 

After you've canceled the amended return using the FAQ I provided above, here's another FAQ on how to switch from mailing to efile.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/e-file/help/how-do-i-change-from-mail-to-e-file-in-turbotax-online...

Noelg4540
Returning Member

Can I e-file if I already chose to file and sent my returns in the mail?

What to do to efile

 

Can I e-file if I already chose to file and sent my returns in the mail?


@Noelg4540 wrote:

What to do to efile


This is an old thread from 2017 that transferred into this forum last year when they migrated to the new community forum and has posts on various issues.

 

What is your story??   What all have you done?     Did you already file your return by printing and mailing, or has it not yet been actually filed?  If it hasn't been actually filed (i.e., if you haven't printed and mailed it), are you asking how to go back and change the filing method for an unfiled return so you can efile it?   

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