How can I try e-filing my 2021 tax return now? The IRS apparently lost the paper copy I sent. Now that I have an IP PIN, they suggest that l re-file electronically.

[dano256]

And I recently moved, so I need to change the address on the 1040 before sending it off.

[xmasbaby0]

You are too late to e-file for 2021.   E-filing is closed now.   The only way to file it is by mail.  You have to print it, sign and date it in ink and mail it in an envelope.

The online system in now in transition from 2021 returns to 2022 returns.  Your 2021 return may be “frozen” during this transition—until early December.  You will be able to access the return you started by using the exact same account and user ID that you used when you started it.   But you can no longer use online software for any further changes.

Online tax preparation and e-filing for 2021returns is now permanently closed.

Now it is too late to use online software or to e-file. If you have any changes/corrections at all to make to your 2021 return, you now have to complete it using desktop software, which you must download to a full PC or Mac  (not to a mobile device).Then you need to print, sign and mail it.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/2559403-how-do-i-finish-a-prior-year-return-that-i-started-in-turb...

If you already paid for your online software you can ask customer support for a download of the desktop software.

They are available from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific time Monday-Friday.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1899263-what-is-the-turbotax-phone-number

If you are getting a refund, there is no penalty for filing late.  If you owe tax due, then file and pay the amount due as shown on the Form 1040, but expect a bill later from the IRS for the penalty and interest you will owe.  Only the IRS will calculate this—TurboTax will not calculate it.

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.

[Opus 17]

A professional tax preparer might be able to e-file now with professional software, but consumer programs including TurboTax can’t e-file for 2021 any longer.  Make sure to ask before you pay them any money. And it will be a bit more expensive than TurboTax.

[rjs]

The IRS will shut down e-filing entirely on November 26 to start preparing for 2022 tax returns. After that date, even a tax professional will not be able to e-file until sometime in January.

Even if you are filing by mail, be sure to enter your IP PIN. It should appear at the bottom of Form 1040, to the right of your signature. The IP PIN that you have is for tax returns that you file in 2022. If you don't file until after January 1 you will have to use the new IP PIN that you will get for returns that you file in 2023, even though it's a 2021 tax return.

[NCperson]

@dano256 and if you take the path of mailing it again, suggest using a trackable method so you have confirmation of the IRS receipt. 

[dano256]

That is clear.  Thanks!  Somewhat unfortunate for me that I cannot try to e-file now with TurboTax, but understandable.

[dano256]

Thanks for the hint.  I will go ahead and send in the paper copy, though.  Even though the IRS representative suggested I try to e-file first, she said it probably would not work because the only IP PIN I was able to get is for 2022.  I just need to cross out my old address and write my new one before signing the 1040 and sending it in.

[NCperson]

@dano256 by the way, when dd you mall it in the first time? 

the IRS is woefully backlogged (but not as bad as t was earlier in the summer)?  The IRS processes paper returns in the order received and they are not reflected on the WMR website until they actually begin processing.  

Per the IRS website, they have completed all processing on returns received only through March, 

How could the IRS representative state they did not receive the first paper return or that it was lost????????

[dano256]

I did not mention it originally, but the IP PIN that I just got is for tax year 2022, meaning that it is intended for the tax return I am supposed to file next year (and it is apparently too difficult or impossible at this point for me get my 2021 IP PIN).  The IRS representative said that this 2022 IP PIN that I have probably would not permit me to e-file my 2021 return, but that it was worth giving it a try.

She suggested that I put the new IP PIN on the paper return that I send because even if it is for 2022 it will likely be helpful.  I will be sure to note that it is the 2022 PIN.  And thanks for telling me were to put the IP PIN on the paper return.

[dano256]

Yes, thanks.  Will do.  I did that for the original return.  I lost the paper receipt, but I copied down the tracking number and I was recently able to re-check the delivery and confirmed that it arrived, which was somewhat comforting.

[dano256]

I sent it before the deadline, and it arrived on April 21st.  Indeed, the IRS representative said that they are way behind and that my return was likely not processed.  I then requested that she check to see if they received my return, and with that search she found nothing.

Some years ago I had called about something I sent and the representative at the time was able to confirm that the forms were received but not yet processed, so it seems clear that they put it into the system even before processing it ... but maybe you are right and my return has not yet even been logged in as received yet.

She did a bit of research and found for the case where a return does not show up anywhere on the system after 6 months, the official procedure is to have the taxpayer re-file.  

[NCperson · Accepted solution]

@dano256 - given the backlogs, if you paper filed in April, chances are they have it but have not gotten to it yet.

There is NO WAY the rep could have looked for it as these returns are literally sitting in boxes waiting to be processed

The IRS states on their webstite that they have only completed processing returns that have no errors in them through March..... 

Filed a Tax Return (updated November 10, 2022)

We are opening mail within normal time frames, and we’ve processed all paper and electronic individual returns in the order received if they were received prior to April 2022 and the return had no errors or did not require further review.

"opening the mail" only means they are looking for the checks inside the envelopes! They are not processing the return upon receipt.

I'll bet your return from April is nearing the top of the pile currently, 

[rjs]

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@dano256 wrote:

I did not mention it originally, but the IP PIN that I just got is for tax year 2022 . . .

---

 It is not for tax year 2022. It's for any returns that you file in 2022, no matter what tax year they are for. The IRS rep was wrong.

In late December or early January the IRS will give you a new IP PIN for any tax returns that you file in 2023, for the 2022 tax year or any other tax year.

Since you know that your original mailed tax return was received, do not file another return. That will only cause confusion and possibly further delays. They will get to your original return eventually.

[dano256]

I called back the IRS for another reason, and went ahead and asked again about my 2021 return.  This time the representative told me that it had been received but not yet processed.  Perhaps they logged my return as being received during the three days between the two calls, or maybe the previous representative was mistaken.

[fanfare]

You do not want to mail in your return on paper twice.

FYI

Your original post was 11/14.

At that time it was still possible to e-File via the IRS Free File option because the IRS extended the end date.

That is shut down now until next year.

You also don't want to e-File after mailing your return on paper. That causes more problems.

@dano256