Mailing a printed 2021 tax return to IRS

[cindyc1]

Hello-

I'm brand new to the community so I hope I'm doing this posting correctly. I printed out my 2021 tax return I just completed with TurboTax. Do I include the cover sheet called the "File by Mail Instructions" that prints and shows that my return was done using TurboTax? Or should I leave the instruction page off and have the first page be the next page which is the 1040 form? 

I just want to make sure the IRS doesn't reject my mailed in return! Thanks for any help on this!

[DoninGA]

No, you do not include the File by Mail Instructions page with the tax return you will be mailing.

[VolvoGirl · Accepted solution]

No do not mail the cover sheet or any instructions or worksheets.  Just mail the actual 1040 tax return and any schedules and forms.  Be sure to get a tracking number from the post office when you mailed it.   The IRS doesn't Accept or reject mailed returns.  They take them all.  If they have any questions or adjust your return they will mail you a letter.  Be prepared for a long wait.  If you have a refund it may take 10 months or more.

[NCperson]

@cindyc1 - when you mail, be sure to get the tracer number from the post office (might cost $1-$2 more) so you know it is actually received.  Then figure it'll be 3-6 months for processing.  The IRS is still quite backlogged.

and it won't show on the WMR tool until they actually begin that processing. 

[cindyc1]

Ok. Thank you!

[fanfare]

@NCperson 

" post office (might cost $1-$2 more)"

You haven't been to the Post Office lately.

@cindyc1

If you put the proper three-line address, return address and the correct postage, IRS will get it.

[NCperson]

@fanfare - you are right! it is NOT an additional cost.  it's included in the price of the product! 

https://faq.usps.com/s/article/USPS-Tracking-The-Basics#Add_tracking_to_my_item