Can I request my 2021 stimulus? I never received it and I didn't file taxes last year. Can I file both my 2022 and 2023 tax return and get my 2021 stimulus money?

[DianeW777]

Most eligible people already received their Economic Impact Payments. However, people who are missing stimulus payments should review the information below to determine their eligibility to claim a Recovery Rebate Credit for tax year 2020 or 2021.

• Economic Impact Payments

The 2020 return statute of  limitations will expire on April 15, 2024 (three years from the due date of the return).

To file a new prior-year return, you'll need to purchase and download that year's TurboTax software for PC or Mac, as TurboTax Online and the mobile app are only available for the current tax year. (Note: Returns for tax years 2019 and earlier are no longer eligible to be filed through TurboTax.)

Prior-year returns must be paper-filed, as e-filing is no longer available for them. We'll walk you through that process when you get to the File section in the software.

After installing the software, open it and follow the onscreen instructions to file your return.

Here are some other resources that might help:

• For tax years 2022, 2021, or 2020 - How do I file my 2022, 2021 or 2020 Tax Return?

The instructions should still be fine in the appropriate TurboTax software to prepare these returns.

The Recovery Rebate Credit will cover both the first and second stimulus payments. This will determine the full amount of potential refund you are entitled to based on income and eligible dependents, and will be part of the final combined refund on your return, if applicable

In TurboTax Online or Desktop, to claim the Recovery Rebate credit please do the following:

1. Sign into your account and continue from where you left off
2. Click on Federal in the left-hand column, then on Federal Review on the top of the screen
3. On the next page titled Let's make sure you got the right stimulus amount, click on Continue
4. Follow the interview
5. TurboTax will determine whether you are entitled to any additional stimulus
6. Any stimulus amount remaining due to you will show as a credit on line 30 of your form 1040.
7. See the image below for assistance.

Be sure to track any payments received should they finalize any legislation and begin sending more payments in 2021.

[xmasbaby0]

And...if you still need to file returns for 2022 and 2023, those are two completely separate tax returns.  Do not try to combine them in any way.   Each tax year has to be prepared separately using the software and forms for the specific year in which you received the income.   There is no where on a 2022 or 2023 return to enter anything about federal stimulus checks.  As explained above----you can only get the stimulus checks by filing 2020 or 2021 returns.  You can get the recovery rebate credit for those years only IF no one could claim you as a dependent in 2020 or 2021.

The current online program is for 2023 only.   Only a 2023 return can be prepared online and only a 2023 return can be e-filed.

Online preparation and e-filing for 2020, 2021, and  2022 is permanently closed.

To file a return for a prior tax year

 If you need to prepare a return for 2020, 2021, or 2022  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.