Electronic Filing

[patbfinn]

I filed a paper copy 2019 1040.  The IRS has received my return as they have cashed the check I sent paying the balance due.  As of today the IRS has not processed the 2019 return therefore they have no record of my 2019 AGI.  When I try to electronically file my 2020 1040 it gets rejected as the 2019 AGI does not match.  Is there a way to electronically file the 2020 return without matching the 2019 AGI? 

[ee-ea]

Use 0 - zero - as AGI.

[ToddL99]

@ee-ea is correct - try using "0" for your 2019 AGI.

If you are getting an e-file reject, here are a few possible reasons that might be happening and your options: 

If you: 

• Filed late last year after mid-November or your return was processed after that time—try entering 0. 

• Amended your return last year—make sure you’re using the AGI from your original return, not the amended one. (If you only have a 1040X form, it’s on line 1, column A) 

• Rounded your AGI to the nearest dollar—be sure to round up when it’s 50 cents or more, and down when it’s 49 cents or less. 

• Filed with your spouse last year—you and your spouse have the same 2019 AGI. (Don’t split the AGI amount or enter 0 for one of you) 

If you’re still having trouble, we suggest that you check with the IRS to make sure that the copy of your return is the same as what they have in their records. To do this, you can order a tax return transcript.  

If you’ve tried everything and nothing works, you can still file a paper return by printing out copies of your federal and state returns and mailing them. We’ll include File by Mail Instructions on where to send your returns and what forms, if any, you need to include.