e-File via TurboTax?

Hi folks,

This is only my second time having filed a US tax return. 2019 was the first year I filed for so please excuse my naivety with regards to taxes!

Upon completion of my tax return for 2020, TurboTax asked whether I would prefer to e-file my return to the IRS or mail it to the IRS tax return processing center and my state (SC) processing center.
I don't remember this being an option when I filed 2019. In fact, I remember having to pay a premium because I was filing my taxes abroad, and needed to use the Deluxe turbotax membership rather than standard membership!

I've asked the question on an older post, but wanted to check with a few other folks too: does anyone else e-file?

If you e-file, do you also mail in your return?

TurboTax can actually track the status of your return if you have e-filed; for example, once my tax return was e-filed, turbotax estimates the IRS will accept my federal return within 2 days and refund will be in my US bank acct by mid-March... This seems like a really quick turnaround....?

As I said on your other thread I efile and don’t send in a paper return or any supporting documents. I also efile my State return.

If you e-file, do you also mail in your return??

Very bad idea.

I don't know why a taxpayer would submit two separate 1040 tax returns for the same year,......and I think the IRS wouldn't understand either.

Most taxpayer identity fraud comes to light when the IRS receives two returns for the same tax year from the same taxpayer. A first 1040 return is E-filed by the fraudster and will contain a tax rebate, which the IRS will pay. A second 1040 return then arrives from the same taxpayer weeks or months later, also asking for a tax rebate (like $1800). Red flags will go up all over the place. It's either identity fraud, or the taxpayer is attempting to game the system by "double dipping" for the rebate. Either way, nasty letters from the IRS may follow.

A 1040 filed first, then followed months later by a 1040X is understandable, but you're not filing a 1040X.

Thanks both for your replies.

I’m so annoyed - I received this email today from turbotax. Apparently, my returns were rejected because they don’t recognise my spouse’s SSN (per the advice of other folks 99-888-9999, which is what I did last year and what works for everyone else).

I don’t know what to do now.... does anyone have any suggestions? My husband doesn’t have a SSN. He’s not a citizen.

Do I call IRS / if I called them would they be able to see my rejected return?

Thank you.




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Use an e-filer company that works for expats.  I used TaxAct.  If you use the "help me find an e-filer" tool on the IRS website, it will guide you to the ones that will work with you.  Read the descriptions in the results to make sure it works for whatever your state situation is.

Thanks for the suggestion jfkimberly. Something for me to consider for US tax year 2021 for sure.

I’m concerned that once the IRS sees that a previously submitted e file has been rejected, will they at least consider a mailed in copy of my tax return?

There’s nothing I can do about my U.K. citizen husband not having a SSN....

It seems really odd as other members (including [mention]durhamlad [/mention] ) have used this site and have been able to e file and not have any issues.


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Sorry to hear this. My wife and I both have SSNs filing from the UK.

You apply for an ITIN maybe, or look for other software or file with paper and write NRA in the SSN space.

https://www.expertsforexpats.com/expat-tax/individual-taxpayer-identification-numbers-itins/

I’m concerned that once the IRS sees that a previously submitted e file has been rejected, will they at least consider a mailed in copy of my tax return?

There’s nothing I can do about my U.K. citizen husband not having a SSN....

As far as I understand, if the IRS rejected your e-file return, it's as if you haven't filed yet, and you need to try again.  The IRS doesn't care if you stick with TurboTax or try a different company, or paper file.  They just want one return from you for the 2020 tax year (if you are required to file).

Thanks folks. I’m going to *attempt* to call IRS tomorrow and see where that takes me. I’ve got the deluxe live version of turbotax as well so going to see what the tax specialists recommend.

I’ve got a gut feeling that I’m going to end up paper filing this year (tracked via fedex or DHL) which is what I was trying to avoid oh well! That’s the IRS for ya, heh?


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Hi everyone,

Is this how everyone else manually inputs “NRA” on their returns?

Because we don’t have an ITIN for my husband, we have to mail in my return. I had to enter 99-88-9999 on turbotax to move through the form. I’ve also included a cover letter explaining this and that my husband doesn’t hold and has never held US citizenship and therefore doesn’t have a SSN.

Do I need to write NRA next to my husbands name on my MFS return as well?

Thank you! I think this will be my last question, thankfully!


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Actually I was wrong- I’ve got one more question.

I just went to DHL for a quote and it would cost £30 per envelope to send to the US.

Does anyone know if I could send my federal return via DHL (tracked - would be with the IRS this week) and my state return via Royal Mail and eventually the USPS? Would this make processing my $1,800 federal refund slower if they get my federal return first and my state return isn’t processed for a couple of weeks?

Thank you everyone for your help.


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Actually I was wrong- I’ve got one more question.

I just went to DHL for a quote and it would cost £30 per envelope to send to the US.

Does anyone know if I could send my federal return via DHL (tracked - would be with the IRS this week) and my state return via Royal Mail and eventually the USPS? Would this make processing my $1,800 federal refund slower if they get my federal return first and my state return isn’t processed for a couple of weeks?

Thank you everyone for your help.

No.  Your state return is going to your state's treasury department, not the IRS.  The IRS has no interest in your state return.  You don't have to file them at the same time.

Filing a paper return will take several weeks longer than e-filing.  Are you sure you don't want to try a different e-filer that accepts NRA for the spouse's SSN?

Thanks jfkimberly- efile is definitely still on the table if choosing an alternative software (eg tax act) is free. I’ve unfortunately already paid my membership fee for another year of turbotax in finalising my return last week which membership do you have on taxact if you don’t mind me asking?


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Mine was free.  If your AGI is below a certain threshold (each provider has their own threshold), then you can e-file for free.

Mine was free.  If your AGI is below a certain threshold (each provider has their own threshold), then you can e-file for free.

Thanks JFKimberly, that’s helpful! Can I pls check- did you enter in NRA for your spouse SSN via tax act and your e file was accepted?


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