I just e-filed, but was rejected because my AGI didn't match

[Nicolas8]

I've never filed taxes before, so I didn't have an AGI.  One of the options was "I didn't file last year" which is correct, but another option was "I didn't file, but I used the IRS tool to get the stimulus payment" which is also correct and the one that I chose because I thought some info is better than none.

I was given an AGI of $1, and it said "because you only filed LAST YEAR to register for the stimulus check and set up info with the IRS, your AGI is $1" which I thought was strange since 2021 is certainly not last year.  I went through with filing, and was promptly sent rejection notifications for my State and Federal returns because my AGI didn't match.

In the app it made it seem like I had to file by mail if I haven't filed before, but other things I read made me think I could re-file if I changed my AGI to $0.  I started to go through the process of trying to refile with the amended AGI, but it got to the part about payment.  My credit card has already been charged by "US TREAS TAX PYMT" even though they rejected my returns.

My questions - 

1) Can I refile on TurboTax with a $0 AGI and have it go through given that I've never filed taxes before?

2)  Will I be charged again by the IRS?

3) Anything else I should know?  This is all very confusing.

Thanks very much, in advance.

[KrisD15]

1. You can try to file the ORIGINAL tax returns and use zero for your AGI.

The first year a taxpayer files, since they don't have an AGI from a tax return of the previous year, they must try zero, or $1, and if those numbers do not work, paper-file the returns. 

2. You are talking about the charge by the IRS for your tax payment. That first attempt should drop-off since that return was rejected but yes, the second attempt at filing may show a second attempt to make the charge. 

Only one charge will go through, but it may look like they are trying to charge twice.

3. If using Zero as your AGI also does not work for E-filing and your only option is to mail in the returns, you will need to include payment with the paper returns, OR you can set up an online account and pay the IRS directly and/or set-up an Identity PIN to use. 

HERE is a link for the IRS Online Account

HERE is an IRS link about rejected returns 

[Nicolas8]

KrisD15, Thanks for the quick and helpful response. I went ahead and refiled with $0 AGI and so far it's been quiet except for an email saying my return is In Progress, though more than double the time has passed since I was rejected the first time.  I don't know if that means anything, but I've got my fingers crossed.  I just got confirmation that my Federal return has been accepted 🙂

[KrisD15 · Accepted solution]

That's great to hear!

Thank you for using TurboTax.