My tax return was rejected for having the wrong AGI number. I checked last year's return and the no. is correct. I entered 0 and it was accepted. Should I be concerned?

[KayLen]

My 2018 tax return was rejected for having the wrong AGI number. I double checked my 2017 tax return (which I filed as an extension) and the number is correct. Just to be sure, I went to the IRS website to apply for an online transcript of last year's return but the system won't process my information and my account was put on hold. Running out of options, I opted for a mailed transcript but it won't get here in time for me to file by the deadline so as a Hail Mary, I entered 0 for my AGI and it was accepted.

> Is this a red flag for auditors?

> Should I file an amendment? 

> Should I try mailing my return in with the initial AGI number along with the e-file?

I have a refund this year but just want to make sure I'm doing this correctly.

[CalebB]

Did you ever file the actual 2017 return, or only the extension? An extension only gives you additional time to file the return, but it is not the same thing as filing the return. 

Because your current tax return was accepted after entering a zero for your AGI, it sounds like you probably did not file the actual 2017 return. If you were expecting a refund for your 2017 return you can still file it now (and up to 3 years from the original due date) and still claim your refund. If you owed money though, you're going to want to file your 2017 return as soon as possible to stop interest/penalties from piling up.

At this time, you'll need to file your 2017 return by mail.

Entering a zero agi by itself would not be a red flag, but not filing a return for a year can result in penalties and/or interest depending on the tax circumstances. You shouldn't need to amend your 2018 tax return. Last year's agi is only used for verification when filing electronically; It is not used when mailing a return, and mailing a return when you've already efiled it will probably only cause delays in your refund, so I would not also mail your 2018 return.

[katrina2]

Thanks! It looks like I paid my 2017 taxes owed but may have forgotten to print and mail the actual 2017 return. I have no way to be sure though.

Do you have any recommendations? I see there's a "failure-to-file" penalty along with a "First-Time Penalty Abatement" option.

[CalebB]

Failure to file penalties are based on the amount of unpaid taxes. If you did already pay all the tax due, you shouldn't end up with any penalty. However, if you only paid 90% of the taxes due as required when filing an extension, you may end up having some penalties/interest for the remaining unpaid amount. You can read more about how the penalty would be calculated here: <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/eight-facts-on-late-filing-and-late-payment-penalties">https://www.irs....>

The best thing to do would be to file the 2017 return as soon as possible, and pay any remaining taxes due (if any) as well.

[katrina2]

Okay, will do! Thank you so much for the help!

[Deano1]

We had same issue for our 2019 return - entered correct AGI but return was rejected for AGI error. We filed 2018 taxes late (December 2019). Even though our 2018 tax return was processed, for some reason it is still not in system and therefore did not recoginize correct AGI. Since 2018 is not yet recognized, entering $0 works and 2019 return is accepted (filed 2019 mid April).