Submitting Prior Year Return

[mckinly16]

We found out the reason our 2020 return was rejected was because one of our 2019 returns never was completed and so the 2019 AGI amount was rejected. Do we have to get the 2019 return done first or should we enter “0” on the 2019 AGI to get our 2020 return accepted and then do the 2019 return?

[xmasbaby0]

You can just use zero for the 2019 AGI since you did not file it, and that AGI will not go into the system anytime soon.   Your 2019 return has to be filed by mail--e-filing is closed for 2019 returns.

Online tax preparation and e-filing for 2019 returns is now permanently closed.  You had until midnight on Thursday, October 15, 2020 to finish and attempt to e-file; if your e-file was rejected you had until October 31, 2020 to make corrections and re-file. Now it is too late to use online software or to e-file. If you have any changes/corrections at all to make to your 2019 return, you now have to complete it using desktop software, which you must download to a full PC or Mac  (not to a mobile device).Then you need to print, sign and mail it.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/2559403-how-do-i-finish-a-prior-year-return-that-i-started-in-turb...

If you already paid for your online software you can ask customer support for a download of the desktop software.

They are available from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. Pacific time Monday-Friday.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1899263-what-is-the-turbotax-phone-number

If you are getting a refund, there is no penalty for filing late.  If you owe tax due, then file and pay the amount due as shown on the Form 1040, but expect a bill later from the IRS for the penalty and interest you will owe.  Only the IRS will calculate this—TurboTax will not calculate it.

[mckinly16]

Will putting “0” for the 2019 AGI create problems once it is updated after paper filling the 2019 return? @xmasbaby0 

[VolvoGirl]

No.  entering 0 doesn't affect anything on your 2020 or 2019 returns.  It's just to verify you to efile 2020.