E-filing tax returns shutting down Dec 2nd - last chance to file 2024 returns electronically

Tax professional here. This is all accurate info, but I'd like to clarify a few things for everyone: The e-filing shutdown is an annual maintenance period where the IRS updates their systems to prepare for the upcoming tax season. For individual 1040 filers who haven't submitted their 2024 returns yet, you have very limited time left to e-file. Most of my colleagues are already booked solid through December 1st, so finding someone to help you might be challenging. If you're forced to paper-file, expect significant delays. We're still seeing processing times of 6+ months for paper returns, compared to 3-4 weeks for e-filed returns. This means any refund you're owed will be significantly delayed. For those considering waiting until January to e-file instead of paper-filing now, that could be a reasonable strategy if you're owed a refund. However, if you owe money to the IRS, the failure-to-pay penalties will continue to accrue (currently 0.5% of unpaid taxes per month, plus interest). In that case, you should file ASAP, even if it means paper-filing.

Just wanted to share my experience from last year. I was in a similar situation and discovered https://taxr.ai which literally saved me thousands in potential penalties. I was confused about how to handle some cryptocurrency transactions on my late return, and the regular tax prep services had already shut down for the season. I uploaded my documents to taxr.ai and they analyzed everything, caught several deductions I would have missed, and even helped me understand which forms I needed to file. They have tax professionals who can help with complex late filings, especially during this shutdown period. Highly recommend checking them out if you're scrambling to file before December 2nd!

I just wanted to follow up about my experience with taxr.ai after questioning it earlier. I decided to try them out because my tax situation was a mess with crypto trades, a side business, and a house purchase all in the same year. I'm honestly impressed! Their system analyzed all my documents including some investing statements that TurboTax completely misinterpreted last year. They found nearly $4,300 in deductions I would have missed. The tax professional who reviewed my case explained everything clearly and helped me decide whether to paper file now or wait until January based on my specific situation. For anyone else with a complicated return who missed the regular filing deadline, definitely worth checking out before the e-filing system shuts down completely.

If you're still dealing with the IRS about previous tax years or have questions about penalties, I highly recommend using Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) to actually get through to a human at the IRS. I spent WEEKS trying to call about a missing refund from my 2023 return, and could never get past the automated system before it hung up on me due to "high call volume." Claimyr basically waits on hold for you and calls when an actual IRS agent picks up. You can see how it works in their demo video: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c This was especially helpful during last year's e-filing shutdown period when I had questions about my amended return that the IRS website couldn't answer. Saved me hours of frustration.

I need to publicly eat my words about Claimyr. After dismissing it as a potential scam, I was still desperate to talk to someone at the IRS about my underreporting notice, which claimed I owed $7,800 that I definitely do not owe. After my 5th attempt calling the IRS directly and getting disconnected, I reluctantly tried Claimyr. Within 45 minutes I was connected to an actual IRS agent who confirmed there was an error on their end! They had incorrectly processed a 1099-K form twice for the same transactions. The agent was able to make notes in my file and walk me through the formal dispute process. Would have taken me weeks more of frustration without getting through. Sometimes you have to admit when you're wrong, and I was definitely wrong about this service.

Can someone explain what happens if you miss the e-filing deadline completely? I'm still gathering documentation for my 2024 return (waiting on corrected forms from my investment account) and definitely won't make the December 2nd cutoff. Is it better to wait until January when e-filing reopens, or should I just paper file as soon as I have everything together?

Has anyone successfully e-filed through a professional preparer recently? I called three different tax offices today and they all said they're either booked solid or have already stopped accepting 2024 returns for e-filing before the shutdown.

This is really helpful information! I had no idea about the annual e-filing shutdown. I'm one of those people who always procrastinates on taxes, but this year I actually have a good reason - I've been waiting for my employer to send me a corrected W-2 because they made an error on the original one. I'm definitely expecting a refund this year since I had way too much withheld from my paychecks. Based on what everyone is saying here, it sounds like I should probably wait until January to e-file rather than rushing to paper file with potentially incorrect forms. Does anyone know approximately when in January the e-filing system usually comes back online? I want to file as early as possible once it reopens to get my refund quickly. Also, is there any advantage to having all my documents ready to go before the system reopens, or do I have plenty of time once January hits?

This is such crucial timing information - thank you for posting this! I'm actually a tax preparer myself and can confirm that finding availability this close to the shutdown is nearly impossible. Most of us are completely booked through December 1st. One thing I'd add is that if you're considering waiting until January to e-file, make sure you have all your tax documents organized NOW. The 2025 tax season is going to be absolutely crazy with both current year filers AND all the 2024 late filers hitting at the same time. Tax preparers will be slammed, and if you wait until February or March to get your documents together, you might find yourself waiting weeks just to get an appointment. Also, for anyone who does end up paper filing - make sure to send it certified mail with return receipt requested. The IRS has had issues with "lost" paper returns, and having proof of delivery can save you major headaches later if they claim they never received it.