The e-file deadline was October 17th, 2016 for 2015 tax returns.
Do you happen to be reading this after the deadline mentioned above? No worries. You can still file your 2015 tax return. You’ll just need to paper file it instead.
How to prepare and paper file your 2015 tax return online?
Sure, the e-file season for 2015 is over. You’re not completely out of luck. You can still prepare your tax return as you normally would. You’ll just need to send it into the IRS instead of submitting it online.
For example, if you typucally use RapidTax each year, you can also use us for your late returns. Here’s how it works:
- Create an account with a unique username and password.
- Begin entering in your 2015 tax information to our user-friendly application. Feel free to contact our support team with any questions along the way!
- Continue through the checkout process and submit your return to be prepared on IRS tax forms.
- Print, sign and mail your return to the IRS.
When to expect your 2015 tax refund
That’s right, you can still claim your 2015 tax refund; penalty-free. Keep in mind that your return processing time can take about six weeks. This, in turn, means that you won’t receive your tax refund in the usual 21-day time frame.
Plan ahead for your 2016 tax return.
Although it’s simple enough to file late with RapidTax, it’s always more beneficial for you to file on time. Here’s how you can get on the right track for next year.
- Stay Organized: Have all your documents, receipts and income statements in order before you start preparing your tax return.
- E-File: Electronically filing your tax return is safer, easier and MUCH faster than paper filing.
- Choose Direct Deposit: Why wait months for your tax refund when you can have it within 21 days? Having your refund direct deposited into your bank account means you’ll receive your tax refund much faster than choosing to receive a check.
- Get Help: Use a tax service who can answer the tax questions you have. Don’t file your tax return without having your questions answered.
My tax specialist e-filed for my 2013-2014 tax returns on November 29 2015. Now i’ve read in places that you can’t e-file past year returns after Oct 2015. Is this true? And how long do past years refunds take to be returned?
Hi Feda,
Only current year tax returns can be e-filed. In addition to that, current year tax returns can only be e-filed until October 15th of that year’s tax season. For example, taxpayers were eligible to e-file their 2014 tax return until April 15th, 2015 (without filing for an extension) and October 15th, 2015 (if they filed for an extension). These two dates are the same each tax year (unless otherwise stated by the IRS).
What is earliest time you can file for rapid refund for 2015
Hi Joanna,
The IRS typically allows taxpayers to begin submitting tax returns in January. Keep an ear out for the exact date as it may be different from last year.
My friend did not ask for an extension on his 2014 tax. Can he just file by Oct 2015?
Hi Frances,
If you are expecting a refund from the IRS, then there will be no penalty for filing late. When expecting a refund, you have three years from the filing year’s deadline to claim your refund. On the other hand, if you are expecting to owe the IRS after filing, you have until the April 15th deadline for that filing year before accumulating late fees. The October deadline unfortunately only applies to you if you have filed for an extension. That being said, you should still file as soon as possible because the longer you wait, the more the penalty fees will amount to. You can create an account with Rapidtax today and we can help you file before accumulating unwanted fees. We also offer customer service via phone, livechat and email at no extra cost to you so our tax professionals are there to help you every step of the way.
I helped 3 people file taxes, 1 filed January 20th and 2 filed January 24th. Both returns filed on the 24th were accepted, approved today and direct deposit was received today. The return filed on the 20th was only accepted. Any clue why 2 returns processed 4 days later have been approved but the one filed on the 20th is still processing?
Hi Allan,
This could be occurring for numerous reasons. This could depend on the complexity of each return, the filing status, or maybe the IRS requires additional information/documentation. Keep in mind that if it is anything urgent, you will be notified as soon as possible to fix the issue.
Hi how soon after e filing will I be able to check where’s my refund for a status?
Hi Tamekia,
I would allow at least 48 hours (business days) for an update.
How long does it take irs to approve your tax return
Hi Kristina,
I suggest taking a look at a more recent article published on our blog discussing the 2015 refund cycle dates. This should answer any questions that you may have.