efile fed return and receive message not sent

[jbourvic]

I just tried to efile a zero cost Fed return and received an error message, Internal server down. When I check status, no return has been filed. If I try to file again, I get a duplicate social security number is attempting to file again. Perfect Catch-22. What to do?

[Carl]

You can not e-file a zero income return. The IRS computers will not accept it.

If you mail the IRS a zero income return, it will not be processed. It goes straight to the shredder.

If you are not required to file a return for 2019, simply go to the IRS website where you can see if you qualify for a stimulus check. If you do, then you provide them your information for that check, on their website.

[jbourvic]

Not zero income, zero cost. I read some posts about other filers having to pay for their tax filing (using refund dollars). I wanted to emphasize that the fed filing cost $0.