when can you e-file 2018 returns in 2020 with proseries?

[Mainecat]

Still unable to efile the 2018 returns as of 3/5/20 - is it just me or is it still not available in proseries?  If so, any idea of what date it might be updated?

[Just-Lisa-Now- · Accepted solution]

I cant count how many times this has been asked and answered, but here it is again.  Why none of the previous posts show up in a search is baffling.

Efiling with 2018 has been open for weeks, BUT you need to use the REFRESH updates in order for teh program to be able to Efile.  REFRESH updates is different than just running a regular update, see picture below.

[linda2]

What does the refresh function do?  Should we be running refresh all of the time in addition to update?  Does refresh undo any previous updates?

[Just-Lisa-Now-]

It flushes out any incomplete or corrupted updates and downloads everything fresh is what I understand.

[linda2]

Thanks.  Do you know how it differs from the repair function?  

[Just-Lisa-Now-]

I asked that and was told they basically accomplish the same thing..not sure why they have them as 2 different options.

[linda2]

Thanks again.