TurboTax 2020 Desktop App Won't E-File My Amended 2020 Tax Return

[heckin_jordy]

I've amended my 2020 tax return, and when propmpted by the desktop app to "Select Continue and we'll walk you through e-filing your amended return at no additional cost," it brings me to a page where every time I select "Continue," nothing happens. I've checked, and my desktop app is the most up-to-date version, so I'm not certain why it will not load/let me e-file my amended return. Please advise, and thank you all in advance.

[MichelleLO · Accepted solution]

E-filing is not supported for prior year returns. Your amended return will need to be paper filed. For more information, please see How do I amend my 2020 return?

[tkocarek]

I'm extremely disappointed that I can't e-file an amended 2020 return.  E-filing for 2020 returns shutdown on October 15, 2021.  Usually, you are filing an amended return because you hear from the IRS a year after filing that you made an error.  So why shut it down 6 months after the filing deadline?  In my case I'm amending because the IRS never refunded the taxes on unemployment benefits.  I waited because the IRS said don't amend, don't amend, we will automatically issue a refund. Well it has been over a year of waiting. So now I have to file a paper amended return.  Well, how many unopened PAPER returns does the IRS currently have: 1 million, 2 million, maybe 5 million?  Maybe I'll see my refund in 2024. Disappointed turbotax!  You can do better.  :( 

[VolvoGirl]

You always had to mail an amended return.  EFiling amended returns is a relatively new thing.  Just the last year or 2.  

[macuser_22]

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@tkocarek wrote:

I'm extremely disappointed that I can't e-file an amended 2020 return.  E-filing for 2020 returns shutdown on October 15, 2021.  Usually, you are filing an amended return because you hear from the IRS a year after filing that you made an error.  So why shut it down 6 months after the filing deadline?  In my case I'm amending because the IRS never refunded the taxes on unemployment benefits.  I waited because the IRS said don't amend, don't amend, we will automatically issue a refund. Well it has been over a year of waiting. So now I have to file a paper amended return.  Well, how many unopened PAPER returns does the IRS currently have: 1 million, 2 million, maybe 5 million?  Maybe I'll see my refund in 2024. Disappointed turbotax!  You can do better.  :( 

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Because the IRS turns off e-file system for self-prepared tax software after Oct 15 of the tax year to get ready for the next tax year.   Professional software uses a different IRS system that can still e-file 2020 returns but self-prepared software cannot.