Question

Can fix my return after I clicked "File" I accidentally choose 2020 instead of 2019 when filing...

Forum|Forum|5 years ago
January 18, 2021
1 reply
0 views

I needed to file 2019
I did not see the date said 2020 until after I clicked send. can this be corrected??

TurboTax Free Edition Online

Employee

No. You could not "choose" the year. The online program is ONLY for a 2020 return. So you used the wrong software and it sounds like you already e-filed it. Now it is in pending---you cannot change it while it is in pending. If you are lucky it will be rejected... but that will not happen until the IRS starts to accept/reject returns on February 12. Your incorrect return is just stuck until then.

If it is rejected then you can take out the wrong income information you entered and put in your 2020 information instead and then re-file it. If the IRS accepts it--- your problem is bigger. If they accept it you have to wait for it to be fully processed before you can amend---a process that takes 4-6 months to complete.

Meanwhile, DO NOT go in and start changing anything on your return in the system, or you will make a mess for yourself. Sit tight and wait until you see what the IRS does with the return you just e-filed

While you wait out what the IRS will do with the incorrect 2020 return you e-filed, you can go ahead and use the correct software to prepare a 2019 return----which has to to be mailed.

Online preparation and e-filing for 2017, 2018 and 2019 is permanently closed.

To file a return for a prior tax year

If you need to prepare a return for 2017, 2018, or 2019 you can purchase and download desktop software to do it, then print, sign, and mail the return(s)

https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/past-years-products/

You may also want to explore purchasing the software from various retailers such as Amazon, Costco, Best Buy, Walmart, Sam’s, etc.

Remember to prepare your state return as well—if you live in a state that has a state income tax.

When you mail a tax return, you need to attach any documents showing tax withheld, such as your W-2’s or any 1099’s. Use a mailing service that will track it, such as UPS or certified mail so you will know the IRS/state received the return.

Federal and state returns must be in separate envelopes and they are mailed to different addresses. Read the mailing instructions that print with your tax return carefully so you mail them to the right addresses.

Note: The desktop software you need to prepare the prior year return must be installed/downloaded to a full PC or Mac. It cannot be used on a mobile device.

If you are getting a refund, there is not a penalty for filing past the deadline. If you owe taxes, the interest/penalties will be calculated by the IRS based on how much you owe and when they receive your return and payment. The IRS will bill you for this; it will not be calculated by TurboTax.

**Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to offer the most correct information possible. The poster disclaims any legal responsibility for the accuracy of the information that is contained in this post.**

L

lil wolf

what if you mailed your federal return to the CA return address?

X

xmasbaby0

Employee

@lil wolf

Your question is not clear. Do you mean you mailed your federal return to the address for the state return by mistake? If you did that, it is likely that the state just tossed your federal return in a shredder. You will have to print, sign and mail it again to the correct address for a federal return---or change to e-filing and e-file it.

To change to e-filing:

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/3399683-how-do-i-change-from-mail-to-e-file-in-turbotax-online?jump_to=answer_5561257

MAILED RETURNS

It can take 3-4 weeks for anything to show up on the IRS site when you mail a tax return.

If you mail a tax return (or a payment) to the IRS, it is a good idea to use a mailing service that will track it like UPS or certified mail so you will know it was received.

When you mail a tax return, you need to attach any documents showing tax withheld, such as your W-2’s or any 1099’s.

TurboTax will not know anything about your mailed return, and will continue to show “Ready to Mail” on your account. TurboTax will not know that you put your tax return in an envelope and took it to a mailbox. TurboTax does not get updates on mailed (or e-filed) returns.

When the IRS opens its mail and begins to process mailed returns you can check the status on the IRS site. https://www.irs.gov/refunds

State returns have to be mailed to the state.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1899433-how-do-i-track-my-state-refund

**Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to offer the most correct information possible. The poster disclaims any legal responsibility for the accuracy of the information that is contained in this post.**