Mailing in 2020 Tax returns now

[kaushiik]

Hi Team, 

Thanks for taking my question. I have completed my 2020 tax return using Turbotax yesterday and when I get to the last page I got notification that Paper filing is the only option for 2020. I found online that 2020 taxes must be completed by 04/15/2024; so my question is if I mail in the return today and it reaches the IRS before 4/15/2024 - I should be good ? Because with my paper filing in the past - I have noticed IRS takes 2 or 3 months to process those; so if IRS sees my 2020 filing sometime in June or July - it will be past the deadline of 4/15/2024 - so what are my options here. 

Thank you

[DoninGA]

The postmark on the envelope is used for your date of filing when received by the IRS.  So long as it postmarked on or before April 15, 2024 you will be fine.

I highly suggest that you use a tracking service from the Post Office so that you will not only get receipt of when received by the USPS but will be notified when the tax return is received by the IRS.  Keep your receipt and notification with your tax records in case there is ever a need to prove your mailing.

[kaushiik]

Thank you very much for the response. 

@DoninGA  One another question - now since my 2020 is paper filed and it might take couple months for it to be processed. Can I file my 2021 tax return through e-filing or should I wait for my 2020 tax return to be accepted before e-filing my 2021 return ? 

Thanks again. 

[BillM223]

File your 2021 return NOW. The processing of the tax years is independent of each other. 

And as noted before, get a post mark or use a delivery service to send your 2021 return.

[VolvoGirl]

You are using the Desktop installed programs for 2020 and 2021 right?  Online is only good for 2023 now.  Sorry you have to print and mail 2021 and 2022 returns.  You can only efile the current year.

You don't have to wait to mail 2021.

[DoninGA · Accepted solution]

@kaushiik I see no reason why you should wait for the 2020 return to be processed before filing the 2021 tax return.

However, if you are going to use TurboTax, you cannot e-file the 2021 tax return, it can only be printed and mailed.  There may be other professional services who can e-file the 2021 return but that is going to cost you.

To complete and file a 2021 tax return using TurboTax you would need to purchase, download and install on a personal computer one of the 2021 desktop editions from this website - https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/past-years-products/

[luistax1990]

Yeah the thing is I did take it to the post office on April 15th the woman stamped it there was a huge line. And they were actually closed by the time I got up to the counter and handed it to the clerk. I didn't get any of that information letting me know when they'll receive it or being able to track it. So how I know if in fact I filed it correctly which I think I did but if they need any more information or such? And how can I check the status because when you call it only goes back to 2021 on the where's my refund tool. I can't anywhere find out there in the internet where it says track my refund for 2020. And I'm guessing that's because it's past the 3-year mark idk? Any advice as to what to do. Does anyone know how long it should take to get the refund? I chose the same direct deposit as I had for 2023. Essentially I filed two this year one for 2023 through e-file and for my prior year of 2020 mailed in.. I already received my 2023 refund just waiting on my 2020 and I really can't find out any information about it. What to do?

[Critter-3]

The only option is to log into your account with the IRS to see all available information for you ...  look under records/transcripts ... 

https://www.irs.gov/your-account