Should I e-file 2020?

[omarsalem55]

I just finished my 2019 taxes super late this time. I couldn't e-file them so I had to print and mail. I just mailed them on 4/26/2021. My 2020 taxes are ready for submission. I'm worried about errors regarding previous year AGI since that info isn't in the system yet. Can I submit the 2020 return now or how long should I wait?

[xmasbaby0]

Your 2019 AGI will not go into the system for months.   Try using zero as your 2019 AGI and see if 2020 will go through.

[omarsalem55]

Thanks champ. I prefer to at least wait until the 2019 are accepted. What is a reasonable time these days for this to happen? 

[Mike9241]

you should be able to e-file but you'll have to use $0 for the prior year AGI since the '19 return will not have been processed.  we can't give you an estimate as to when the IRS will get around to processing 2019. it could be months since it's far behind in processing returns and paper returns take even longer to process. 

[xmasbaby0]

Mailed returns take weeks to be processed----and they are not "accepted" or "rejected" in the way that e-files are.    It may be a month or probably longer before the IRS opens your return and enters anything about it into the system.   When they do, you will not be able to track it since the IRS site only shows information about 2020 returns.    Realistically, expect it to take several months for the IRS to process your late mailed 2019 return and be pleasantly surprised if it is processed any sooner.   

[omarsalem55]

Ok thanks. Just making sure its not a big no no to file before previous year is accepted.  I might as well submit it then before it becomes late well.