E file old returns

[cpabsd]

A client's 2019 filed over the weekend was rejected.  It appears in cannot be filed due to maintenance.  When will the system be back up for e filing? ( I realize 2019 may need to be paper filed at this point.) I tried to research, but having difficulty understanding the IRS memo's.  

[jklcpa]

MeF accepts the current and prior 2 years for e-filing. You are correct that the e-file for 2019 was rejected because of the shutdown and will need to be paper-filed.

IRS will reopen the MeF system again in late January, 2023 for the 2022 tax year.  At that time, the 2020 tax year returns will be the earliest that can be e-filed (current year 2022 and two prior of 2020 and 2021).

[cpabsd]

Thank you for the clarification!!

Bonnie