Must I wait for my SSA-1099 if my return is identical to last year's?
January 9, 2017 10:05 AM   Subscribe

My tax situation, including income, is identical this year and last down to the penny. I'd like to file ASAP to use a refund for a time-sensitive car repair. Must I wait?
posted by R2WeTwo to Work & Money (8 answers total)
 
You do have to wait, unfortunately; the IRS doesn't start accepting returns until January 23.
posted by amnesia and magnets at 10:07 AM on January 9, 2017 [1 favorite]


And if you are considering it, remember that tax refund loans frequently come with extremely high fees. That doesn't mean that it might not be the right approach in your situation, but be cautious.
posted by Mr.Know-it-some at 10:37 AM on January 9, 2017


Response by poster: A & M I typically receive my SSA-1099 well after January 23. So must I wait only 'til then or what?
posted by R2WeTwo at 10:51 AM on January 9, 2017


I don't see any reason why you would need to wait. However, if turn out to be wrong about what you think will be on your SSA-1099, you will have to file a corrected return, which is kind of a pain. Probably not as big of a pain as not being able to drive your car, though.
posted by phoenixy at 11:17 AM on January 9, 2017


Generally speaking you do not need to attach these forms so you could file without them. You can check the documents online (If I am reading this page right) starting Feb 1st. If it were me, I'd do it. If it were not-me, I'd suggest calling the IRS and asking them: 1-800-908-9946
posted by jessamyn at 11:20 AM on January 9, 2017 [3 favorites]


I typically receive my SSA-1099 well after January 23. So must I wait only 'til then or what?

Apologies, I misunderstood the question -- I've been in your position before with a W2 rather than a SSA-1099, and filed on the first day that returns were accepted with no problem, and would do it again without a second thought. I did follow up and double-check to ensure that everything really did match once I got the W2 a few weeks later, but it wasn't like the IRS was like, "Hey, amnesia and magnets didn't even get her W2 yet, how does she know what her income was? No refund for her!" I just got my refund on the first direct deposit cycle (before I got my W2, even) and all was well. Good luck!
posted by amnesia and magnets at 1:08 PM on January 9, 2017


you will have to file a corrected return, which is kind of a pain.
I had to do this once after e-filing to adjust my income a few hundred dollars. It was not a big deal at all. 1040X is the form, but the place you use to e-file should allow you to do this as well.
posted by soelo at 2:29 PM on January 9, 2017


Response by poster: These are very helpful tips everyone. Thanks so much!
posted by R2WeTwo at 5:03 PM on January 9, 2017


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