Mailing in 2020 Tax returns now

Forum|Forum|2 years ago
April 3, 2024
1 reply
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Hi Team,

Thanks for taking my question. I have completed my 2020 tax return using Turbotax yesterday and when I get to the last page I got notification that Paper filing is the only option for 2020. I found online that 2020 taxes must be completed by 04/15/2024; so my question is if I mail in the return today and it reaches the IRS before 4/15/2024 - I should be good ? Because with my paper filing in the past - I have noticed IRS takes 2 or 3 months to process those; so if IRS sees my 2020 filing sometime in June or July - it will be past the deadline of 4/15/2024 - so what are my options here.

Thank you

Ask the Experts - MetLife IV - April 2024

Best answer by DoninGA

@kaushiik I see no reason why you should wait for the 2020 return to be processed before filing the 2021 tax return.

However, if you are going to use TurboTax, you cannot e-file the 2021 tax return, it can only be printed and mailed. There may be other professional services who can e-file the 2021 return but that is going to cost you.

To complete and file a 2021 tax return using TurboTax you would need to purchase, download and install on a personal computer one of the 2021 desktop editions from this website - https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/past-years-products/

DoninGA

Employee

The postmark on the envelope is used for your date of filing when received by the IRS. So long as it postmarked on or before April 15, 2024 you will be fine.

I highly suggest that you use a tracking service from the Post Office so that you will not only get receipt of when received by the USPS but will be notified when the tax return is received by the IRS. Keep your receipt and notification with your tax records in case there is ever a need to prove your mailing.

kaushiikAuthor

Thank you very much for the response.

@DoninGA One another question - now since my 2020 is paper filed and it might take couple months for it to be processed. Can I file my 2021 tax return through e-filing or should I wait for my 2020 tax return to be accepted before e-filing my 2021 return ?

Thanks again.