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Can I file my taxes from 2016 in 2023? I just got out of prison.

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Can I file my taxes from 2016 in 2023? I just got out of prison.

No, a 2016 tax return cannot be filed using the TurboTax online editons for tax year 2022.

 

TurboTax does not support tax year 2016.

If you are wanting to file a 2016 tax return for a tax refund, the refund will not be paid.  It is past the 3 year limit for a tax refund from the due date of the 2016 return.  It would have to be filed on or before April 15, 2020.

Can I file my taxes from 2016 in 2023? I just got out of prison.

Not sure if you have had any taxable income if you have been incarcerated, so it is questionable whether you even have anything to enter on tax returns for those years.  But .....

 

TurboTax has software for 2019 onward.   Software is no longer available from TurboTax for earlier years, nor would it be supported even if you find it on eBay, etc.  Updates are not available.   It is also too late to receive a tax refund for a tax year earlier than 2019---those refunds have been forfeited.   BUT if you owe tax due you still have to pay with penalties and interest.   There might be other software providers that have software for those years, but you will not receive refunds for the returns even if the forms show a refund.

 

 

It might be better for you to seek local paid tax help in a situation when you are several years behind in filing your tax returns.  Do you even have all of the documents you will need to enter and show your income—like your W-2’s and any 1099’s?

 

Each tax year has to be filed separately using the forms for the specific tax year.  They cannot be combined in any way--do not even put them in the same envelope when you mail them.  Software for past years is available back to 2019.  Any earlier years can only be prepared on paper forms by hand--and those refunds have been forfeited now.

 

The current online program can only be used for a 2022 return--no other year.  And if you did not file a 2021 return you will have trouble e-filing 2022.  When it asks for your 2021 AGI try using zero.  If zero does not work then you have to print, sign and mail 2022

 

 

 

 

Online preparation and e-filing for 2019 and 2020 and 2021 is permanently closed.

To file a return for a prior tax year

 If you need to prepare a return for 2019, 2020 or 2021 you can purchase and download desktop software to do it, then print, sign,  and mail the return(s)

https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/past-years-products/

You may also want to explore purchasing the software from various retailers such as Amazon, Costco, Best Buy, Walmart, Sam’s, etc.

 

Remember to prepare your state return as well—if you live in a state that has a state income tax.

 

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/state-taxes/help/how-do-i-contact-my-state-department-of-revenue/0... 

 

When you mail a tax return, you need to attach any documents showing tax withheld, such as your W-2’s or any 1099’s.  Use a mailing service that will track it, such as UPS or certified mail so you will know the IRS/state received the return.

Federal and state returns must be in separate envelopes and they are mailed to different addresses.  Read the mailing instructions that print with your tax return carefully so you mail them to the right addresses.

 

Note:  The desktop software you need to prepare the prior year return must be installed/downloaded to a full PC or Mac.  It cannot be used on a mobile device.

 

If you are getting a refund, there is not a penalty for filing past the deadline.  If you owe taxes, the interest/penalties will be calculated by the IRS based on how much you owe and when they receive your return and payment. The IRS will bill you for this; it will not be calculated by TurboTax.

**Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to offer the most correct information possible. The poster disclaims any legal responsibility for the accuracy of the information that is contained in this post.**
JohnW152
Expert Alumni

Can I file my taxes from 2016 in 2023? I just got out of prison.

You can find IRS forms for prior years at the IRS' Prior Year Forms and Instructions page.

You might also consider contacting the IRS's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, which offers volunteer tax preparation -- including prior year tax preparation -- for people who qualify.  Please see Free Tax Return Preparation for Qualifying Taxpayers for more information. 

As @DoninGA and @xmasbaby0 indicate above, TurboTax only handles more recent years than you may need.  

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