Filing your taxes online offers convenience, allowing you to manage your taxes on your own schedule. However, encountering a rejection of your e-filed return can be frustrating, especially if it happens close to the filing deadline, typically April 15. Fortunately, the IRS provides a five-day grace period for taxpayers to refile a rejected return if it’s received by the deadline.

During this grace period, you have the opportunity to correct any errors and resubmit your return electronically. However, if you’re unable to resolve the issues within this timeframe, you’ll need to resort to the traditional method of printing, signing, and mailing your return to ensure it’s submitted on time.

It’s essential to note that while the IRS offers this grace period, states may have their own rules and deadlines regarding rejected e-filed returns. Therefore, it’s crucial to check with your state’s tax agency to understand any specific requirements or deadlines for resubmitting your return.

While mailing your return may seem old-fashioned compared to e-filing, it’s a reliable backup plan to ensure compliance with IRS regulations and avoid any penalties or delays. Plus, it provides an opportunity to review your documents thoroughly before sending them off.

So, if your e-filed return gets rejected and you can’t fix it within the grace period, don’t worry. You still have a backup plan: print, sign, and mail. It may require a bit more effort, but it ensures your taxes are taken care of, even if technology doesn’t cooperate.