When will intuit accept e file tax returns for 2021?

[Username4647488]

I have finished filling out my forms online, and once I submit ... the message becomes back ( we are not accepting e file at present"

[VolvoGirl]

Keep checking.   Maybe tomorrow.  But Even if Turbo Tax lets you submit your return they will just hold all the returns until the IRS opens filing later In January or even not until February.  Last year for 2020, the IRS didn't start accepting returns until Feb 12, 2021.  So there is no hurry.  And a lot of people who file early find out they have to amend later like when they get their actual W2 and 1099 forms.  Or they get more forms than they were expecting.  

Do not file early!   It usually causes problems and you end up needing to amend later.  The IRS won't send the refund any faster.

[xmasbaby0]

I worry when people want to file as soon as possible, because many of those people are the same ones who will be back in the forum in a few weeks asking how to amend their tax returns.

 You can fall for the marketing ploy that will allow you to e-file early if you want to—-but be aware that your e-file will just sit on a server and if you discover that you need to make any changes you will not be able to.   You cannot change or add anything while your return is in pending on the server.   You have to wait until the IRS ether accepts or rejects it much later in January or early February.    If it is rejected you can fix it; if it is accepted with your mistakes you have to wait for it to be processed and go through the lengthy process of amending.

  You still need your 2021 W-2's and any 1099's that will show your income for 2021.    Those will not be issued until late or the end of January. 

The tax forms are not ready yet. The software still needs lots of updates.  Go to the REVIEW tab to see which forms in your return are incomplete and the estimated dates they will be ready (dates always subject to change) and sign up for the email alerts if you wish.  

 .   

 Being in a hurry to file and get a refund is never a good idea---it leads to filing incorrectly without all of your information and to waiting months to amend mistakes that you should not have made in the first place.   Be patient and file correctly when all of your information is in order and the tax forms are ready.

And…..if you are trying to rush because you get earned income credit or the child tax credit——the PATH act means you cannot get your refund until the end of February at the earliest—so filing early will not get you an early refund.

[Username4647488]

Thank you

I am on a fixed income and filling 1040, so it's a simple return. Intuit have all my files saved. I am to complete the last step ( file). I guess I will check tomorrow. Will intuit advise me when i am ready to submit my files to IRS and State?

Thank you 

[Carl]

If you file early, and then discover you need to change something, you're stuck. Once you submit your tax return you can't do or change anything until "AFTER" the IRS has started accepted e-filed returns. Then if they reject the return you can just correct it and re-submit it.

If they accept the return, then you still have to "WAIT" until the IRS has processed your return completely, before you can file an amended return. An accepted return is not completely processed until "AFTER" you have received any refund you may be due. So filing early has the potential to put one "way" behind the curve, thus delaying any refund due for a very, very long time. Amended returns can take 6 to 12 weeks to process, and sometimes even longer.

[Affordabletaxes2021]

Amended returns are taking 6-8 months to process now. Don’t file early especially if you’re claiming a stimulus payment it will be flagged for manual processing. 

[Username4647488]

Thank you everybody. Issue resolved