What does this mean? Your refund info The IRS hasn't finalized one or more of your forms. Once forms are finalized, you will be able to access this section.

[dix]

How long does it take for this process? I did the same last year and didn't have to wait for the IRS to finalize anything.

[jmayer1082]

according to the IRS all of my forms are and have been available, why cant i file yet?

[jmayer1082]

according to the IRS all of my forms are and have been available, why cant i file yet?

[Critter]

What is available on the IRS site as a paper form is not the same thing as a functional electronic form in an income tax program ... many forms have been delayed this year for various reasons so patience will be needed this year.

[mesquitebean · Accepted solution]

Every year there are forms that may not be available at the start of filing season due to changes in tax laws, etc. It depends on what forms you need.  See the following 2 tables:

Federal forms availability dates:
https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1908854-forms-availability-table-for-turbotax-federal-products-exc...

State forms availability dates:
https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1908857-forms-availability-table-for-turbotax-state-except-busines...

There's no hurry to file now.  The IRS will not start processing returns until January 23 (except for a few test returns the IRS will pull early.).  Any returns filed early will just sit on TurboTax servers until then and cannot be retrieved if you notice something wrong.  You'd later have to file an amended return.  

Of course, you must wait on any W-2's, 1099's, etc. to arrive first before filing.

And starting this year, if you have EIC (earned income credit) or ACTC (additional child tax credit), the IRS will not start releasing those refunds until February 15.

[Critter]

IRS starts processing returns 1/23/17 this year and warns of delays for some filers ...  

<a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://www.irs.gov/uac/newsroom/irs-and-partners-look-to-start-of-2017-tax-season-encourage-use-of-...>

[mgizzihall]

"There's no hurry to file now." You should remove this piece from your response. You may not hurry but some must.

[mesquitebean]

It's actually a caution.   I know you're eager, but you need to read the rest of that paragraph (this is actually a thread from last year.)   Hurrying during early filing season gets many users in trouble each year.   Since the IRS is not even processing returns yet, the early- efiled returns are stockpiled and sit on TurboTax servers--this year until January 29 (except for a few test returns.).   So users who efile before the IRS is ready on January 29 will not get their refunds any faster.  And all the helpers in the forum caution against the potential pitfalls in early filing season.

The early-efiled return cannot be retrieved when many users suddenly remember another W-2 or 1099 they are supposed to get or one arrives unexpectedly in the mail, or they notice they forgot "this and that" on their returns.   In that case one has to wait until the IRS accepts or rejects the return after January 29.    If rejected, the user can correct the return, make additions, etc. and resubmit.    If it's accepted, however, the user would have to first receive the initial refund, then prepare an amended return which can be a hassle and takes several weeks to process.