FreeTaxUSA not allowing e-file option for 2022 taxes - any workarounds?

Just finished preparing my 2022 tax return using FreeTaxUSA for the first time. The software was pretty easy to use and everything seemed to be going smoothly until I reached the filing stage. When I tried to submit, I got a message saying e-file is currently unavailable for 2022 returns. This is really frustrating since I spent a good amount of time inputting all my information and double-checking everything. I'm wondering if there's any way to take the tax return I've already completed in FreeTaxUSA and somehow e-file it through another service? I don't want to start over from scratch. I thought about trying to recreate everything in TurboTax, but apparently they want to mail physical software for 2022 returns which seems like an unnecessary hassle and would delay things even more. Has anyone faced this issue with FreeTaxUSA for 2022 returns? Any recommendations on what I should do at this point? Should I just print and mail, or is there another e-file option I'm missing?

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21 comments

Sophia Long

•8M

The IRS typically only allows e-filing for the current tax year and a few years prior, but there are time limitations. For 2022 returns, the e-file system closed on November 20, 2023. After this date, all prior year returns must be filed by paper. That's why FreeTaxUSA is showing e-file as unavailable - it's not a problem with their software, but rather the IRS has closed e-filing for 2022 returns. Unfortunately, you won't be able to e-file your 2022 return through any service at this point. Your best option is to print and mail your completed FreeTaxUSA return. Make sure to sign and date the return, attach any required W-2s or other income statements, and mail it to the appropriate IRS address listed in the filing instructions. Keep a copy of everything for your records, and consider using certified mail with return receipt so you can confirm delivery.

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Sophia Long

•8M

Paper returns typically take about 6-8 weeks to process, compared to 3 weeks for e-filed returns, though it can sometimes take even longer during busy periods. If you're expecting a refund, this means a longer wait. The main downsides to paper filing are the increased processing time, higher risk of errors (since data must be manually entered by IRS employees), and no immediate confirmation that your return was received. You also don't get the benefit of automatic error checking that e-filing provides. I'd recommend making absolutely sure your math is correct, that you've signed everywhere required, and that you've attached all necessary forms and documentation.

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Logan Greenburg

•8M

I ran into this exact same problem last month! After spending hours on FreeTaxUSA, I was so frustrated when I couldn't e-file. I ended up using https://taxr.ai to scan my completed FreeTaxUSA PDF and check it before mailing. It flagged a couple things I missed (a forgotten 1099 and a math error on a schedule I filled out manually). The tool basically reviews your already-prepared return and tells you if there are any issues before you mail it. Saved me from potentially getting a notice from the IRS later. Not as convenient as e-filing but at least I felt confident my return was correct before sending it off.

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Logan Greenburg

•8M

It doesn't file the return for you - it just reviews what you've already prepared to catch potential errors or missed opportunities. It's more of a verification tool than a filing tool, so you'll still need to mail in your return yourself after reviewing it. You upload the completed PDF that FreeTaxUSA generates, and it scans through it looking for inconsistencies, math errors, or missing information. It's actually pretty straightforward - you upload the PDF and it analyzes against tax rules. It's encrypted and secure, but I understand the concern about sensitive docs. I was hesitant too but it helped me catch a fairly significant mistake before mailing.

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Lucas Bey

•8M

Alright, I have to admit I was wrong about being skeptical. I decided to give taxr.ai a try with my FreeTaxUSA return after paper filing seemed like my only option. The scan actually caught that I was eligible for an education credit I completely missed! That was an extra $1,500 refund I would have left on the table. The review highlighted exactly where the issue was in my return and explained why I qualified. I had to go back into FreeTaxUSA, add the credit, then generate a new PDF to mail. Definitely worth the few minutes it took to upload my return.

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Harper Thompson

•8M

For anyone struggling with contacting the IRS about past returns (like my 2022 one that got rejected multiple times), I finally had success using https://claimyr.com to get through to an actual person. I spent DAYS trying the regular IRS number and getting nowhere. The service basically puts you in line with the IRS and calls you back when an agent is about to be available. You can see a demo of how it works here: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c The agent I talked to confirmed I needed to paper file at this point but also helped resolve an issue with my previous year's return that was causing complications. Saved me from making the same mistake on my 2022 return before mailing it.

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Harper Thompson

•8M

It works by essentially automating the calling and waiting process. It uses technology to navigate the IRS phone tree and hold your place in line. When it's almost your turn to speak with an agent, you get a call back. So you're not "skipping" the line - you're just not having to personally sit on hold for hours. I completely understand the skepticism - I felt the same way. But after my fifth failed attempt to reach anyone at the IRS, I was desperate. It's not giving you "priority" access - you're still in the same queue as everyone else. The difference is their system handles the waiting and navigation of the phone menus instead of you having to do it manually.

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Harper Thompson

•8M

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Jade O'Malley

•8M

Ok I have to eat my words here. After posting my skeptical comment, I decided to try Claimyr as a last resort because I needed to clear up an issue with my 2021 return before filing my late 2022 return. I got a call back in about 45 minutes and spoke to an actual IRS agent who verified some information I needed. The agent confirmed I needed to paper file for 2022 but also helped me understand why my 2021 return had processing issues that were affecting my 2022 filing. Saved me from making the same mistake again. Still can't believe I actually got through to a human at the IRS.

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Hunter Edmunds

•8M

You'll need to bring all your original tax documents (W-2s, 1099s, etc.) along with the completed return. The tax pro will likely need to manually input all your information into their system since they can't just upload your FreeTaxUSA file. When I did this, the preparer actually found a deduction I had missed, so it ended up increasing my refund enough to cover most of their fee. But experiences will vary depending on your tax situation and the professional you work with.

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Luca Ferrari

•4M

I was in this exact situation last year with my 2021 return! The e-file cutoff is definitely frustrating when you've already done all the work. I ended up paper filing and it took about 6 weeks to get my refund, which wasn't too bad considering. One thing I learned - make absolutely sure you include ALL required attachments when you mail it. The IRS will send it back if anything is missing, which just delays everything further. Double-check that you've included copies of all W-2s, 1099s, and any other income statements. Also make sure to sign and date everything in the right places. I used certified mail with return receipt requested so I could confirm they received it. Cost a few extra dollars but gave me peace of mind. The tracking showed it was delivered, and then I could roughly estimate when to expect processing based on the typical 6-8 week timeframe. Paper filing isn't ideal, but at least FreeTaxUSA did all the calculations for you, so the hard part is done!

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