Tax Question - Tax Return Dead Ended

(This question was recently submitted to TaxConnections by a tax professional who requested input from our community.)

I just spoke to the IRS Taxpayer Advocate line. My taxpayer’s 2016 was “dead-ended” because the return did not include two of the estimated payments on the return. The IRS Rep told me that anytime the payments don’t match, the IRS will dead-end the return and not post it to the system. The IRS sent a CP12 letter (stating don’t file, don’t amend, just respond) I responded.

Now we are getting CP59 letters stating the return has not been filed. THE CORRECT PHRASE IS NOT POSTED. I can’t refill electronically because I already have a SUBMISSION ID NUMBER.

Can this info be accurate? That means every taxpayer over 65 will have their tax return dead-ended because old people can’t remember what and when they paid stuff. Can you please clarify this policy? I was told it has been in effect for 3 years already.

This is the first time I have ever heard of this? Can you tell me if this has ever happened to you when filing a tax return?

Please comment below if you have any familiarity with this issue.