Tax preparer says IRS e-file problems mean we should mail return — is this true?
We are in California and currently in escrow with a 10-day contingency timeline. Our lender needs proof that our 2025 tax return was filed.
Our tax preparer just finished our taxes and said they recommend mailing the return because “the IRS has been having problems with e-filing.”
My understanding is that many e-file rejections generate a reject code and can be corrected/resubmitted electronically, unless it is a specific rejection that requires paper filing.
Is the preparer’s statement accurate? Should I insist they attempt e-file and provide the exact IRS/FTB rejection code if it fails? Also, if they refuse to e-file, can another preparer recreate/review the completed return and e-file it for us?
We are not trying to bypass a valid rejection. We just need either e-file acceptance or a specific technical reason it cannot be e-filed.
I appreciate the help! I’ve already paid them but I’m considering going with another tax preparer that said they can prepare my taxes tomorrow and have them e-filed. So is my current tax place feeding me some bullshit?