Penalties when filing on time, but return is not accepting and have to mail?

[peacesong]

Hi,

For still unexplained reasons the IRS did not accept my electronic filing the last 3 years.  I'm trying again.  Same bank, same location (lived here 28 years).

But, now I see that after filing it tells me that I may not find out if it's accepted until Sunday Oct 17.  If it gets rejected and I have to print/snail mail it, then it will be late and I'll have to pay penalties again.

So, how do I get credit for filing by the correct time when I get rejected after the expiration date?

Thank you for your  guidance,

Stephen

[VolvoGirl · Accepted solution]

Why is it rejecting?   Probably for the AGI?   If you mailed 2029 it's common for the AGI not to be in the system.

ENTER 0 FOR AGI. The IRS took a long time last year to process 2019 returns so the AGI didn't get entered in time.

When did you file 2019? If it was late in the year or you mailed it, try putting in 0 (zero) for the AGI. And see, https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/rejections/help/what-if-i-entered-the-correct-agi-and-i-m-still-ge...

How to correct the AGI
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/agi/help/where-do-i-correct-my-agi-in-turbotax-online/00/26311

If you can’t get it to efile you will have to print and mail it.  Be sure to attach copies of your W2s and any 1099s that have withholding on them.  You have to mail federal and state in separate envelopes because they go to different places.  Get a tracking number from the post office when you mail them for proof of filing.

What if I miss the Oct 15 deadline?

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/filing-and-paying-taxes/help/what-if-i-missed-the-october-15-filin...

For AGI Reject code 031
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/rejections/help/e-file-reject-ind-031-04-or-ind-032-04-the-agi-or-...

[xmasbaby0]

Do you wait until the last second every year?   Going forward----give yourself a cushion by getting your return filed sooner.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/filing-and-paying-taxes/help/what-if-i-missed-the-october-15-filin...

If you are getting a refund or do not owe then there is no penalty for missing the deadline.   If you owe, your estimated tax due was supposed to be paid by May 17.    

[mesquitebean]

October 20, 2021

• Final deadline to resubmit a rejected return that was originally e-filed on or before October 15.

If mailing, it must be postmarked by that date.   Some people who are rejected in that window say they include a copy of the rejection notice, but that's anecdotal.   In any case, I'd at least save a copy of the rejection notice in case it's ever needed.

Also, if mailing, I would mail by a method that has tracking, such as certified return receipt or Priority Mail.   Those services also document proof and date/time of mailing.

But we're hoping your efile return gets accepted so that you don't have to worry about it and undergo those extra steps.  Good luck.

[peacesong]

Amazing to get such fast replies!

The 2019 return was submitted on the last day last year.

The rejection was really FAST this time!  The failure was for the AGI field and the amount entered was correct.  So, I took your suggestion of entering 0.  I got a text message that it was rejected and to see the email and app for instructions.  But, the app tells me it was accepted and half an hour after the text there's still no email.

While waiting on that to sort out, I'm trying to figure out how to print my State return for filing.  Every step takes me back to e-filing the Fed return.  I can select to file the state later, but there appears to be no means to file it later.

It seems the system is intentionally designed to make it practically impossible to not e-file the state return.  Eg, Intuit is trying to force people to purchase the State e-filing by creating a confusing loop in the app that never lets the state return be file (unless we pay).  Maybe this issue should be a separate question?

Thanks for the great/FAST replies!

[VolvoGirl]

How to file state after federal

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/e-file/help/how-do-i-e-file-my-state-after-i-already-filed-my-fede...

For the Desktop program you might have to check the federal filing status first inside the program.  Open your return and go up to menu item

File > Electronic Filing > Check Electronic Filing Status

Then save your return.   

[peacesong]

Thanks for the great support here!

1.5 hours later got a reversal of the initial rejection - APPROVED!  My Fed taxes are on the way.

[fanfare]

Look again it says ACCEPTED.

The approval comes later after the IRS goes over your tax return.

[peacesong]

Thanks for your awesome support! 🙂

[xmasbaby0]

@peacesong "Accepted" and "approved" are not the same thing.   Your tax refund has not almost instantly been approved.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/2840013-does-accepted-mean-my-refund-is-approved