Last Call for E-Filing in 2023: File by November 30 Before IRS System Shutdown

If you still have tax returns to file, the IRS’s upcoming e-filing system shutdown on November 30 is a deadline to keep on your radar. Each year, the IRS closes its e-filing platform in early December for maintenance, meaning that returns filed after November 30 won’t be processed until the system reopens early-mid January. Filing before this shutdown can help you avoid processing delays and keep your tax obligations on track as the year comes to a close.  Here’s what you should know about this deadline, why it matters, and which returns might still need filing.

Why File by November 30?

The IRS's e-filing shutdown impacts any outstanding 2023 returns, so filing by November 30 is essential if you want to avoid delays or potential complications with your tax obligations.

Here are some reasons why e-filing before the IRS shutdown is important:

Avoid Penalties and Interest: If you have an outstanding tax balance, getting your return filed by November 30 means payments can be processed promptly. Waiting until after the shutdown could lead to additional interest or penalties.

Timely Refund Processing: If you’re expecting a refund, filing now will help ensure your tax return is processed quickly. If you wait, your return may not be accepted until January, pushing any refund into the new year.

Minimize Filing Issues: The holiday season is one of the busiest for the IRS, and delays are common. Filing before the shutdown helps you avoid peak season, reducing the risk of technical issues or other disruptions that often arise during IRS high-traffic periods.

Which Returns Should You Consider Filing?

With November 30 as your deadline, here are some common returns that still might need to be submitted:

Extended 2023 Returns for Individual Taxpayers

If you filed an extension earlier this year, your 2023 individual income tax return (Form 1040) may still be outstanding. Individuals who have missed the October 15 extension deadline can still file by November 30 and avoid any further delays.

Business Returns with Extended Deadlines

Certain business tax returns for partnerships (Form 1065), S corporations (Form 1120S), and corporations (Form 1120) that were extended to September 15 and October 15, respectively, might still need to be filed. Ensure these are submitted before e-filing closes to avoid delays.

Nonresident and Expatriate Returns

If you’re a nonresident alien with a filing requirement (Form 1040NR), or if you have foreign assets that need reporting (FBAR - FinCEN Form 114 or IRS Form 8938), filing by November 30 is recommended. Expatriates with extended deadlines may also need to file their Form 1040 or any relevant forms before the system closure.

Additional Reporting Forms for International Filers

U.S. taxpayers with international reporting requirements, such as Form 5471 (for foreign corporations), should ensure these are filed on time if they have not yet been submitted. These forms are critical for compliance, and filing now can prevent penalties for late submission.

The IRS e-filing system will likely remain closed for maintenance until early January 2024, so any returns submitted after November 30 may not be processed until the new year. Taxpayers with complex filing needs, including foreign assets, self-employment income, or involvement in partnerships, are encouraged to e-file ahead of the shutdown to prevent any setbacks with their filings. If you still need to file your tax return or have any other questions, you can contact us at info@mkhstaxgroup.com.