Hi. I was late in filing my 2021 tax return. I had made the estimated payments and should get a refund. Is it still possible to efile this return?

[userkaran173]

- Can I still efile my return? Is the efiling window closed temporarily?
- Given I am owed a refund, will a late filing penalty be levied on me?

[Bsch4477]

I assume that you mean your 2021 return. You will not have a penalty but you will have to mail your return. It will take 6 months or longer to process it. 

[userkaran173]

Ah yeah I meant 2021. 

[Bsch4477]

You can file but have to mail your return. 

[xmasbaby0]

There is no penalty for late filing if you are getting a refund.  But your return cannot be e-filed.  E-filing is permanently closed for 2021 returns.  The only way to file is by mail and you can expect processing to take six to nine months.

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/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.