Why would I paper file my tax return?

We recommend e-filing your tax return whenever possible. E-filing is more reliable, and you will get your tax benefits faster. However, there are situations where the only option is to mail a paper copy of your tax return to the IRS.

You must paper file if:

- You are applying for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for the first time, or renewing an existing ITIN.

- Your tax return was rejected for reasons that cannot be resolved by e-filing. Examples of rejection reasons are:

- if your return was rejected because someone else claimed your child, you would have to paper file to claim that child. 

- if you were claimed as a dependent on someone else's tax return, or if you can't find an IP PIN you need, you would have to paper file. 

By paper filing a tax return in these instances, you are letting the IRS know that they need to investigate the issue further. You should expect to receive a follow-up letter from the IRS with next steps. For example, if you paper filed to claim a child that someone else has claimed, the IRS will contact you to submit evidence to support your case.