This article is for information only and is not tax advice.
No. You cannot e-file a tax return for a previous tax year with Sprintax. The IRS no longer accepts e-filing for previous tax years. You must print, sign, and mail a previous year tax return on paper.
Why can't I e-file a previous year return?
The IRS no longer accepts e-filed returns for previous tax years. Sprintax cannot send a previous year return to the IRS electronically. This applies to every return that you prepare with Sprintax Returns for a previous year.
How do I file a previous year tax return?
Prepare your return with Sprintax Returns for the correct tax year.
Print the documents that Sprintax Returns gives you. You do not need to enter anything on the forms after you print them.
Review each document and sign the forms where the instructions tell you to sign.
Arrange the pages in the correct order. Do not staple, fold, or clip them.
Mail your return to the address in your Sprintax instructions.
Request a tracking number from your postal service.
Can I e-file my 2026 federal return?
Maybe. You can try to e-file your 2026 federal return if you are eligible. Sprintax Returns checks the information that you enter. It decides whether you can e-file your federal return.
If you can e-file, the option Proceed with e-file appears in Step 8, Finalizing, in the Download files sub-step. If the option does not appear, you submit your return on paper.
When can I e-file my 2026 return?
The IRS decides when it starts to accept 2026 returns. Sprintax emails you once the IRS starts accepting 2026 returns. You can e-file after the IRS starts accepting returns, if you are eligible.
What cannot be e-filed with Sprintax?
State tax returns: Sprintax cannot e-file state tax returns. You submit them on paper.
FICA refund claims: Sprintax cannot e-file FICA refund claims. You submit them on paper.
Federal returns that do not meet the e-file conditions: If Sprintax Returns finds a situation that blocks e-filing, you submit the federal return on paper.
What can stop me from e-filing my federal return?
Sprintax Returns can block e-filing for several reasons. For example, you cannot e-file if you have capital gains, self-employment income, or a Form 1099-NEC. A name or SSN mismatch, or a missing EIN on an income document, can also block e-filing.
If none of these situations applies, correct your W-2 state abbreviation and your SSN, and check the option again. If Proceed with e-file does not appear, submit your return on paper.
What if I e-filed my federal return?
If you e-filed your federal return, follow the mailing instructions for your state tax return only, if you have one.
What are the key facts about e-filing previous year returns?
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can I e-file a previous year return with Sprintax? | No. The IRS no longer accepts e-filing for previous tax years. |
| How do I file a previous year return? | Print, sign, and mail it on paper. |
| Can I e-file my 2026 federal return? | Yes, if you are eligible. Sprintax Returns checks your information. |
| Where does the e-file option appear? | As Proceed with e-file in Step 8, in the Download files sub-step. |
| When does Sprintax tell me that e-filing is open? | Sprintax emails you once the IRS starts accepting 2026 returns. |
| Can Sprintax e-file my state return? | No. Submit state returns on paper. |
| Can Sprintax e-file my FICA refund claim? | No. Submit FICA refund claims on paper. |
| What if Proceed with e-file does not appear? | Submit your federal return on paper. |