Taxpayer asks:
Hi Kelly,
I have a quick question.I used e file ( turbo tax- free editon ) and IRS rejected it on 15th, so I sent my documents via postal mail.Meanwhile on my second attempt to e file with paper sign. IRS accepted my return. Does it create any problem as everywhere it says do not file ( on papers ) if you are e filing.
Please help me here.
Taxgirl says:
Hmm… I’ve never had this happen before. I have had clients that filed twice on paper because they weren’t sure that they had mailed it already (don’t snicker, it happens).
I am not sure what would happen with the case of efile and paper returns but here’s my hunch: assuming that the returns are the same, the IRS will ignore the second one. You’ll probably get a letter saying that there’s a problem with your return (because they IRS only has so many form letters and headings) and it will go on to say that they have received two copies of your return and that only one can be processed.
I’d hold tight and see. I definitely wouldn’t lose any sleep over it unless the returns are different, you sent payment with both or something similar. If any of those situations is the case, I’d follow up with IRS.
If anyone else has experience with this situation, by all means, chime in!
Before you go: be sure to read my disclaimer. Remember, I’m a lawyer and we love disclaimers.
If you have a question, here’s how to Ask The Taxgirl.
FILING A SECOND RETURN WITH THE IRS CAUSES A DELAY IN YOUR RETURN. THE FIRST RETURN HAS TO BE LOCATED BEFORE THE SECOND CAN BE PROCESSED. ALL CORRESPONDENCE HAS TO BE ATTACHED TO EACHOTHER FOR A PERMANENT RECORD. ANY REFUND OR PAYMENTS WILL BE DELAYED.
I agree that there will be a delay but as far as 2 paper returns go, I’ve never heard of any “issues” – same is true efile and paper?
Filing two original returns with the IRS creates a duplicate filing situation. Both returns (paper or e-file) must be reviewed. It can create a delay in releasing your refund. If they contain the same info, IRS will make no changes. If the info is different, IRS will chage your return with the most recently received return. You should call the IRS and see if your return has been received before sending in a second return. Any changes made should be done on Form 1040X, Amended Return.
Yes I’m on the phone with the irs having this problem now they said if your efile has already been accepted and the mailed return is exactly the same the will verify both and then disregard the mailed return but I may cause a delay it may not it’s not for sure. Of course unless you get your refund before they received your mailed return.
Thanks for the proactive advice. It is worth noting that, in this situation, the return was mailed in as a regular return without calling before… That will result in a delay (not sure how much with eFile).
Hi,
I have submitted a xerox of the Form-16 for AT 2007-08 to a CA to file the returns. However he has gone out of station since. Although I have the original Form-16 with me, I don’t have the acknowledgment. Is there any way to cross check whether the returns have actually been filed? If its been filed, can it be filed again with the same Form-16, to get a duplicate acknowledgment?
Dipanjan
27th Feb 09
What do I do if I filed my fed/state taxes on both turbotax and taxact??
OK i went to hr block with 2 w2’s from the same employer.He found a mistake on one of the w2’s.So he went ahead and filed one of the w2’s until we could get the other one corrected.We have since then recieved our refund check on the w2 he filed.Can i efile the other w2 we have or will i have to do it by mail?Thanks
Can I mail or send twice my 1095-a to the IRS if I send it in priority mail can they receive it
I would not. With the backlog, you’re better off waiting. And if they get two forms, it will probably just confuse matters.
I mailed in a second paper return because I thought the IRS didn’t receive it (it was because of COVID, which I didn’t knew). Now the IRS will Probably open the second return when I have already received my refund. Can I get in trouble for that? (The first return was also on paper).
You won’t get in trouble, but it could trigger some correspondence. They’ll already have your information entered into the system if you’ve received your refund, so as long as they match up, you’ll likely just get a letter.
This happened to us. We filed a paper return, but the electronic program we used to calculate was hacked and my husbands social security number was used to file electronically (not sure if it was the same or not, but it was close). We have had correspondence with the IRS, sent them copies of the paper return and all documents (don’t have anything on the electronic one since we didn’t do it ourselves). We paid what we owed on the paper return. Now they say they want all the taxes for a second return. Sent an explanation again and they sent back a $5000.00 bill. They just don’t get that we don’t have 2 returns for the same year, same W-2’s. What a mess.