I printed the 1041 from TT Business desktop, and sent it by certified mail. It still hasn't arrived. If necessary, can I efile it through the program, if no tax was due?

[trudgingalong]

After including all the pages the program deemed necessary, I ended up with a 9x12 manila envelop full. Since it wasn't a #10, that may have slowed things down, but April 18th is barrelling along.

[taxlady28]

Efile after file by mail will hold things up for a very long time, possibly a year or longer.  The IRS is already far behind and double filing will make everything even slower.  Fastest thing to do now is wait.

[AnnetteB6]

As stated by taxlady28, you should not electronically file a return that you have already submitted by mail.  

You already filed your return in a timely manner as shown on your certified mail receipt.  

If you are saying that your return has not arrived at the IRS based on the USPS tracking number, then you may want to contact the USPS to see if there is any assistance they can give you with determining if the package is lost.  If you are able to determine that the package is lost and will not be delivered, then you still have time to re-send it before the deadline.

If you are saying that you are expecting a refund that has not arrived, then just be patient since it takes longer for the IRS to process mailed returns.

@trudgingalong 

[trudgingalong]

Thank you for taking the time to reply. According to the USPS tracking number, it's still in transit to the destination, but arriving late. The problem is, it's been saying that for days, now. It's been in Kansas City for five days, and "departed the destination facility" three days ago. It's a bit nerve-wracking, since I mailed the package on the 16th. I'll try calling the post office Monday morning, and see if it's budged, at all, or if they're finally giving up on it. I'm probably worrying for nothing, but it just seems like it could have WALKED to the IRS, by now.

[trudgingalong]

The fastest and the hardest. I do have my receipt from the post office, but the thought of trying to convince the IRS that I did everything properly and on time, and the post office dropped the ball doesn't thrill me. I suppose it's what I get for clinging to paper mail in a digital age, but I'd just rather work with a hard copy. Thank you for taking the time to post an answer. There are times when having a Plan B isn't such a great idea. This is, apparently, one of them.

[AliciaP1]

Your return is filed timely as long as the postmark is timely.  It doesn't matter how long it takes for the mail to get there, just that the postmark is before the due date.  

Per the IRS:

Your return is considered filed on time if the envelope is properly addressed, postmarked, and deposited in the mail by the due date.

@trudgingalong 

[trudgingalong]

Thank you for taking the time to respond. The problem would be if the post office ends up losing the package. All I have is a piece of paper that says I mailed it at a certain date, and a copy of the posted tracking history. Ideally, that will do, if the IRS starts saying, "What package?" I'll just feel a whole lot better when it finally arrives.