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January 10, 2020
Question

TurboTax messed up! They did not file my 2018 tax returns

  • January 10, 2020
  • 12 replies
  • 0 views

At first, I was not able to access my 2018 tax return. After giving tax audit defense permission to access on my behalf, they were told it did not exist. Then miraculously, I was able to download my 2018 returns from my turboxtax account. Weird. The issue, I have a letter from the IRS and Turbo Tax failed to e-file my 2018 returns. They never notified me that there was a problem, I have proof of my receipt that I paid the filing fees and for tax audit support. It's a nightmare to get on the phone with support. Anyone else have this issue?!

12 replies

DoninGA
Employee
January 10, 2020

Paying for the TurboTax online account fees does not e-file your tax return.

 

You complete your tax return by finishing all 3 Steps in the File section. In Step 3, to e-file your tax return, you must click on the large Orange button labeled "Transmit my returns now".

After completing the File section and e-filing your tax return you will receive two emails from TurboTax. The first email when your tax return was transmitted and the second email when the tax return has either been accepted or rejected.  Provided you have entered a valid e-mail address for your TurboTax account.  Check your spam or junk mail folder on your email account for a TurboTax email.

See this TurboTax support FAQ for verifying your TurboTax account information - https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/account-updates/help/how-do-i-update-my-turbotax-account-information/01/25927

 

To access your current or prior year tax returns sign onto the TurboTax website with the userID you used to create the account - https://myturbotax.intuit.com/

Scroll down to the bottom of the screen and on the section Your tax returns & documents click on Show.  Click on the Year and Click on Download/print return (PDF)

A 2018 tax return can only be printed and mailed, it cannot be e-filed.

 

Print, sign, date and mail the tax return to the IRS.  Include with the mailed return any forms W-2 and 1099 which have taxes withheld.  Go to this IRS website for mailing addresses - https://www.irs.gov/filing/where-to-file-paper-tax-returns-with-or-without-a-payment

There are no penalties for filing a tax return after the due date if filing for a tax refund or there are no taxes owed.

 

See this TurboTax support FAQ for accessing prior year online tax returns - https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/prior-year-return/help/how-do-i-access-my-prior-year-return/01/270...

January 14, 2020

Thanks for the response.

 

I have filed via TurboTax for 5 years now so failing to hit "Transmit my returns Now" seems highly unlikely. Regardless, I need to revolve the issue with the IRS. Is there a reason why I can't e-file via TurboTax? The letter from the IRS states that e-file is accepted for the 2018 return. Thank you in advance. 

Employee
January 14, 2020

E-filing for 2018 returns has been permanently closed since mid-October of 2019.  The only way to file a 2018 return is to print, sign and mail it in.

 

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.

**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.**
March 5, 2020

Filed my 2019 tax return on turbo tax last week. A few minutes later it shows rejected. AGI doesn't match from 2018 said the irs. When I did my 2018 taxes on turbo tax I made a copy only 8 pages. After I got the message rejected I went on turbo tax and made another copy of my 2018 tax return and I couldn't believe it my printer printed 69 copies of the 2018 tax return. I looked over it and I see my information but there are other things on there that I didn't do. It almost looks like someone else's information.  Things like itemized deductions for being single someone put $25,000 I have never been married  And a form 6251 tax worksheet page 3 line 3 enter $500,000 if single head of household. Student loan deduction line 4 $65,000. A lot more that I didn't do and I can't get anyone at turbo tax to talk to me. I am going to notify the IRS about this fraud. I am retired and there is no way I put these figures on my tax return. I will not use turbo tax again.

 

March 5, 2020

@beach420 The following TurboTax FAQ can offer assistance on what to do if you suspect identity fraud: What to do if you suspect tax-related identity theft

April 5, 2020

February 11, 2020 I used Turbo Tax to e-file my Federal and 3 different states returns.  I was to get a refund from the 3 different states but, I would owe on my Federal return.  Typically, I get my state refunds in a few weeks.  However, this year I still did not have a refund from any of the states by the end of March that I filed so, I checked the status of my refunds and learned that none of the 3 states had received my returns.  When I contacted Turbo Tax to inquire, I was told that they had no record of me e-filing my returns even though I have e-mails from them stating that I did, in fact, e-file my returns.  I was told that I would have to re-do my tax returns.  Ugh!!!  So, not only did I have to re-file my taxes but, I had to PAY to e-file again.  Needless to say, I WILL NOT be using Turbo Tax again!!    

May 11, 2020

Can i ask ?? did your refund status show processing on irs or anything? and did your turbo homepage show filed no matter what you tried to do? just figured out mine were done completely wrong! i filed 2/28/20 still no federal refund!! prob cause im supposed to actually get more money 

May 13, 2020

It depends. 

 

If you are trying to determine if your return was accepted after electronically filing, you can use the attached links to help you check the status of your return. 

Checking E-File status 

 

State E-file pending 

 

If when you log in, your returns show as being accepted, that means the returns were filed.  However, there have been delays in processing refunds by the IRS.  

IRS processing time and refund status

 

If your return was not accepted, you can go back into the program and correct your errors and then file your return correctly. 

 

Otherwise, you do the ability to prepare an amended return to correct your filing.  See the link below for instructions on how to correct a return that was already filed and accepted.

How to amend my return

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April 22, 2020

They didn't file mine either but I still was charged $130.00 for the filing!  

DoninGA
Employee
April 22, 2020

@dcentanni wrote:

They didn't file mine either but I still was charged $130.00 for the filing!  


Paying for the TurboTax online account fees does not e-file your tax return.

 

To access your current or prior year tax returns sign onto the TurboTax website with the userID you used to create the account - https://myturbotax.intuit.com/

Scroll down to the bottom of the screen and on the section Your tax returns & documents click on Show.  Click on 2018 

What is the status of the federal tax return?  If the status is anything other than Accepted then the tax return was not e-filed.  If you did not print and mail the federal tax return then the return was never filed.

 

To access your current or prior year tax returns sign onto the TurboTax website with the userID you used to create the account - https://myturbotax.intuit.com/

Scroll down to the bottom of the screen and on the section Your tax returns & documents click on Show.  Click on the Year and Click on Download/print return (PDF)

A 2018 tax return can only be printed and mailed, it cannot be e-filed.

 

Print, sign, date and mail the tax return to the IRS.  Include with the mailed return any forms W-2 and 1099 which have taxes withheld.  Go to this IRS website for mailing addresses - https://www.irs.gov/filing/where-to-file-paper-tax-returns-with-or-without-a-payment

There are no penalties for filing a tax return after the due date if filing for a tax refund or there are no taxes owed.

 

 

 

 

July 3, 2020

The exact same thing happened to me.  Including the appalling support experience.  They don't want to talk about it but it's a serious problem.

July 7, 2020

Yes they messed up mine by changing the year of my returns to 2019 which screwed up both years now I can't get ahold of federal or turbo tax

July 9, 2020

The only online program available is for 2019.  If you entered your 2018 information into the 2019 online version, you prepared a 2019 tax return, not a 2018 tax return. 

 

If you prepared a 2019 tax return with information for another tax year, you will want to amend your 2019 tax return to correct the amount report so that it is accurately reported.

 

See the attached link for instructions to help you if you do need to amend your return. 

 

How to amend my return? 

 

If you were trying to prepare a return for 2018, you can use the following link to download the software to prepare your return. You must use the correct year of the tax program that matches the year you are trying to file your return for.

 

How to prepare a prior year tax return

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August 24, 2020

I'm having the same problem with Turbo tax and my 2018 taxes.  They refunded my payment for the program and electronic filling fee. (Admitting the error on their part)  I have a case number with Intuit Turbo Tax because if I'm charged interest and penalties from the IRS there will be a civil case filed if Turbo Tax doesn't reimburse the fees. I've used this program for at least 10 years but will NEVER use them again.  Because of their "glitch" I still haven't received my economic impact check or my 2019 refund.    I'm so disappointed with Turbo Tax. 

August 24, 2020

That's interesting...so glad you posted this.  They blamed the error on me and said I must not have completed the process.  They wouldn't even refund the fees! I have the payment receipt so was certain I completed.  I'm in the same boat with my payment and never received costing us $1900!!  I also am going to have penalties plus am finding it impossible to now correct!!  I had to physically mail the 2018 bc it was the only way that I could now file but it's been months and because this year's taxes are taking priority (I called the IRS for help) it may take 5 to 8 more months for the paper 2018 to be processed.  What a mess!

August 24, 2020

I feel your pain.  I spent 3 hours on the phone with the IRS today because they told me to check mid August to see if my 2018 taxes were received.  After being passed around 3 times I was told that they are currently opening taxes mailed in April and it could be several months before my 2018 taxes are opened (resent paper copy in July and did tracking through USPS) I was also told to send a letter with my 2018 taxes requesting to waive penalties and interest but the IRS said they don't waive interest.   This is BS and I hope Turbo Tax steps up and makes this right.  

September 22, 2020

Did you get this resolved yet? I'm having the same problem..

October 5, 2020

No, mine has not been resolved yet.  Waiting on the IRS to respond.  I don't believe they've processed my 2018 taxes yet because my check has not been cashed.  I'm watching for that to clear before I attempt to call the IRS and see where to go with Turbo Tax.  Several people from the IRS told me that they have been made aware of this happening to others who used Turbo Tax to file their 2018 taxes.  I sure hope Turbo Tax is planning and covering the interest if the IRS doesn't waive it.  I wish Turbo Tax would take the opportunity to respond to these comments.  I have made them aware of my situation and that I won't be using Turbo Tax again.  

October 5, 2020

this is a public forum, I wonder if the moderators will pass on your message to TT.   however, most likely the only way you're going to get TT to pay your claim if you can produce the e-mail from TT that said accepted. You did get that didn't you? when you click on the submit icon and it isn't immediately rejected you will get two e-mails. the first will say submitted? that means the return should have been transmitted to the IRS. you did get the first e-mail didn't you?  then the IRS computers go to work doing some basic checking like see if a return was already filed using any of the SSN's or ITIN's on your return.  In any event, if the return was successfully submitted you will get a second e-mail that will say rejected or accepted. if rejected you must correct the return to fix the issues. some can not be fixed and require mailing in the return where it becomes your problem if the IRS doesn't' get it not TT's. Other's can be fixed and then you can either resubmit electronically or mail it in.  mailing as before becomes your problem if the IRS doesn't get it.  if resubmitted electronically again you will get an acceptance or rejection e-mail. 

December 22, 2020

We are having the same issue now! We did everything we were supposed to do to file our taxes on the website back in July, and we never received any communication on whether our taxes were actually filed. Our 2019 returns are on our account, as they were entered, but there is no status update. Low and behold the IRS site says they haven't received. This is a total mess. We need help getting this filed ASAP.

DoninGA
Employee
December 22, 2020

@dabukly wrote:

We are having the same issue now! We did everything we were supposed to do to file our taxes on the website back in July, and we never received any communication on whether our taxes were actually filed. Our 2019 returns are on our account, as they were entered, but there is no status update. Low and behold the IRS site says they haven't received. This is a total mess. We need help getting this filed ASAP.


Paying the TurboTax account fees for the online account does not file a tax return.

 

You complete your tax return by finishing all 3 Steps in the File section. In Step 3, to e-file your tax return, you must click on the large Orange button labeled "Transmit my returns now".

 

After completing the File section and e-filing your tax return you will receive two emails from TurboTax. The first email when your tax return was transmitted and the second email when the tax return has either been accepted or rejected.

Check your email spam or junk mail folders for a TurboTax email.

 

To check the status of an e-filed return, open up your desktop product or log into your TurboTax Online Account. You can find your status within the TurboTax product.

What is the status of the federal tax return?  If the status is anything other than Accepted the tax return was not e-filed.  If you did not print and mail the federal tax return then the return was never filed.

 

To access your prior year tax returns sign onto the TurboTax website with the User ID you used to create the account - https://myturbotax.intuit.com/

Scroll down to the bottom of the screen and on the section Your tax returns & documents click on Show.  Click on the Year and Click on Download/print return (PDF)

A 2019 tax return can only be printed and mailed, it cannot be e-filed.

 

Print, sign, date and mail the tax return to the IRS.  Include with the mailed return any forms W-2 and 1099 which have taxes withheld.  Go to this IRS website for mailing addresses - https://www.irs.gov/filing/where-to-file-paper-tax-returns-with-or-without-a-payment

There are no penalties for filing a tax return after the due date if filing for a tax refund or there are no taxes owed.

March 19, 2021

TURBO TAX SCREWED UP MY 2018 RETURN EVEN THOUGH IT SAID ACCEPTED THE IRS TOLD ME THAT THEY NEVER RECEIVED A TAX RETURN FROM ME FOR 2018. NOW MY STIMULUS PAYMENTS ARENT COMING BECAUSE I THOUGHT IT HAD BEEN FILED!

Employee
March 19, 2021

@rgg209 Check your account for the 2018 return.   Does it say "accepted"  or does it say something else like "rejected", "printed" or "ready to mail?"   If it does not say accepted, it was not e-filed.   

 

Or....the IRS does make mistakes.....do they say that you did not FILE a 2018 tax return or that you did not pay your 2018 tax due?   Your only proof that you paid your tax would be your own bank or credit card records.  Do you show that you paid?

 

When did you file the 2018 return?   Was it filed by the filing deadline in 2019 or did you file it late by mail?   

 

The IRS sent out the first stimulus checks based on 2018 or 2019 returns in order to send them in a hurry, but you can recover the stimulus money by using the recovery rebate credit on your 2020 return.

The stimulus check is an advance on a credit you can receive on your 2020 tax return.  If something went wrong or you did not get the stimulus check in 2020, you can get it when you file your 2020 return in early 2021

The Recovery Rebate Credit will be found in the FEDERAL REVIEW section. ( you should see "Let's make sure you got the right stimulus amount”)  If you are eligible it will end up on line 30 of your 2020 Form 1040.

 

Make sure that you enter ALL of the stimulus money received for the 1st and 2nd stimulus for yourself, your spouse and your children.

 

https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/economic-impact-payment-information-center-topic-j-reconciling-on-your-2020-tax-return

 

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1901539-how-do-i-preview-my-turbotax-online-return-before-filing

Click on Tax Tools on the left side of the screen. Click on Tools. Click on View Tax Summary. Click on Preview my 1040 on the left side of the screen.

 

**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.**