I can't access step 3 for filing. "It says the IRS hasn't finalized one or more of your forms. Once forms are finalized, you will be able to access this section." Why?

[MissMCJ]

The IRS is still working on some forms.  When they are ready they will be loaded into TurboTax and then you can continue working on that section.

[wyattfontenot14]

Awesome, thank you!
So this means I don't have to work on anything until the IRS loads the finalizes the forms?

[SteamTrain]

Correct, but it is STORNGLY recommended that you do not attempt to actually file until after the end of January.  Tax forms like W-2, 1099-R,1099-INT, 1099-DIV , and 1099-DIV have not been sent out and may not be until the end of January or after that for  few of them,...you do Not want to file...then discover you missed a form, or entered data improperly and have to amend.  Amending is a special process and can be cumbersome, confusing, and a nightmare for some folks.

The IRS isn't expecting to even start processing ANY tax returns until 27 January or after that...so there is no rush to file anytime in the next 3-4 weeks.  And NO, they do not process early-filed tax returns in the date order that they were filed...Every year, may people who filed at the end of January get processed before those filed the first couple weeks of January.

Take your time and get your entries perfect before attempting to file.

[JohnH1]

You are getting a head start like I do every year to see how I stand but the answer to this question is YES, you can take a break but check back every so often to get the updates.

[Opus 17]

Your tax return is not filed until you complete the filing process and press the transmit button as the last step.

Most IRS forms are not ready at this time due to changes in the tax law, especially related to the coronavirus and the stimulus payments.  The IRS will not open e-filing until January 27 at the earliest. TurboTax may open for e-filing on January 7, but if you file early, your return will go into cold storage until the IRS opens. Also, if you don’t get the second $600 stimulus by January 15, you have to claim it on your tax return. So don’t be in a hurry to file, and wait until at least January 15 before you try.  

Some forms may not be ready until February or even March based on past year’s experience.   After the IRS approves the final version of a new form with instructions, it usually takes one to three weeks for the form to be implemented in TurboTax and then be reviewed and approved by the IRS so that TurboTax can release the update. 

If you believe you are finished, I would log in about once a week, starting no earlier than January 15.  Check your return, see if there is anything that is flagged for review, and see if the forms that you need are ready to file.  Your tax return is not filed until you complete the filing process and press the transmit button as the last step.

[JohnH1]

I never file till March because many tax forms such as 1099's can be late but I want to know if and how much I owe as soon as I can

[wyattfontenot14]

I see. 
I think I selected that I don't currently have my W2, so I really hope I didn't mess anything up.  I just wanted to update my tax info because I didn't receive any stimulus checks, because I was a dependent in 2019.  
Really hoping I didn't mess thing up for myself

[xmasbaby0]

@wyattfontenot14 Nothing you have done so far on a 2020 return has gone to the IRS since it is impossible to e-file yet.    You cannot e-file it yet.  Just entering information cannot mess anything up since the information did not go anywhere.   Nothing you entered in to the 2020 software goes anywhere until you actually e-file.   The IRS will not begin to accept e-files until the end of January.  Wait for all of your W-2's etc. and file later.  If you did not get stimulus money in 2020 you can get it by filing a 2020 tax return---but you will not get it right away--it will be part of your income tax refund.