Filing late - confused about which address to send 2020 tax return to

Thanks for this info! Quick follow-up question: does the IRS still process refunds for late returns like this? I'm in a similar situation but I'm actually owed a refund for 2020. Also, do you know how long processing typically takes for these super late paper returns?

Yes, the IRS will still process refunds for late returns, but there's a deadline. You have three years from the original due date to file and claim a refund. For 2020 returns (which were due May 17, 2021 due to COVID extensions), you have until May 17, 2024 to claim your refund. After that date, you lose your refund. Processing times for paper returns are significantly longer than e-filing, especially for prior year returns. Currently, expect 6-8 months for processing paper returns from prior years, though it could be faster or slower depending on IRS backlog conditions.

Can this taxr.ai thing help if I've already prepared my return using TurboTax? Or do I need to start from scratch with their system? I've got my 2020 return printed out and ready to mail but now I'm worried I might have missed something.

I'm a bit skeptical about these tax services. How does it actually work? Do real humans review your documents or is it just some algorithm? I'm always nervous about uploading my tax documents to random websites.

You can absolutely use it with returns you've already prepared! Just upload your completed forms and their system will analyze what you've done and flag any potential issues or missed opportunities. No need to start over - it works as a review layer on top of whatever you've already done. Their system uses AI to analyze the documents, but it's specifically designed for tax form analysis. They have strong encryption and security protocols - I was initially hesitant too, but they explain on their site how they protect your data. They don't store your documents after analysis, which was important to me.

Wait, how does this service actually work? Are they just calling the IRS for you? Why would that be any faster than me calling directly? I've been trying to get through for weeks about my late filing.

This sounds like complete BS. Nobody can magically get through to the IRS faster. They probably just keep you on hold themselves and then transfer you when they finally get through, charging you for the privilege. I'll believe it when I see it.

They use an automated system that navigates the IRS phone tree and waits on hold for you. When an agent finally picks up, you get a call connecting you directly to that agent. It's not magic - just technology that handles the frustrating wait time so you don't have to sit with a phone to your ear for hours. They're actually very transparent about how it works. It's still the same IRS queue everyone else is in, but their system does the waiting instead of you. I was skeptical too, but when I was connected to an actual IRS agent after trying unsuccessfully for days, I became a believer. The time saved was absolutely worth it for me.

Since I'm sending in a payment with my late return, would you recommend I pay the amount I calculated plus some extra to cover potential penalties? Or should I just pay exactly what's shown on my return and wait for them to bill me for the rest?

I'd recommend paying somewhat more than what you calculated - perhaps 25-30% more to account for the failure-to-file penalty (5% per month up to 25%) plus interest. The IRS will eventually send you a notice showing the exact penalties and interest, and they'll either refund any overpayment or bill you for any remaining balance. When you make the payment, clearly indicate it's for "2020 Form 1040" and include your SSN on the check. This helps ensure it gets applied to the correct tax year. If you've calculated your tax correctly, the extra amount should cover most or all of the penalties and interest, which helps avoid additional interest accruing while you wait for the bill.

The IRS has mostly worked through their COVID backlog for paper returns, but they're still slower than pre-pandemic times. I filed a paper 2019 return last spring and it took about 4 months to process. No need to include a note explaining why you're late - they don't factor that into processing. They just apply the standard penalties.

Actually adding a statement can help if you're requesting a penalty abatement! If you have a reasonable cause (serious illness, natural disaster, etc.), include Form 843 and a letter explaining your circumstances. The IRS can waive penalties (but not interest) if you have good reason.

This is really helpful advice about Form 843 for penalty relief! I had no idea that was even an option. Quick question - if I'm filing this late because I was dealing with a serious medical issue in 2020-2021, what kind of documentation would I need to include with Form 843? Like medical records or just a doctor's note? I'm worried about sending too much personal health information through the mail.

For medical situations, you typically don't need to send detailed medical records - a letter from your doctor or medical professional explaining that you had a serious illness during the relevant time period that prevented you from meeting your tax obligations is usually sufficient. The letter should include: - The approximate dates you were affected - A general description that the condition prevented you from handling tax matters (without going into specific medical details) - The doctor's contact information and signature You can also include a brief personal statement explaining how the medical issue specifically prevented you from filing on time. The IRS understands privacy concerns, so they don't expect you to divulge your complete medical history - just enough documentation to show reasonable cause. Keep copies of everything you send, and consider sending the Form 843 request separately from your tax return if you're concerned about processing delays. That way your return can be processed while they review your penalty abatement request separately.

This is excellent advice about getting professional help! I'm in a similar situation with multiple late returns (2020 and 2021) and was feeling completely overwhelmed trying to figure out penalties, interest calculations, and whether I qualify for any relief programs. The practitioner hotline access is something I hadn't considered - it makes sense that tax professionals would have better ways to get through to the IRS than regular taxpayers calling the main number. At this point, paying for professional help might actually save me money in the long run if they can help me avoid mistakes or find deductions I'm missing. Do you happen to know if CPAs typically charge extra for dealing with late/prior year returns, or is it usually just their standard preparation fee? I'm trying to budget for this properly since I'm already facing penalties and interest on top of what I originally owed.