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for 2020, the date to claim those recovery rebate credits on a tax return has passed. The deadline was May 17, 2024.
for 2021, the deadline to claim the recovery rebate credit is April 15, 2025. You must file a tax return and the credit would appear on Line 30.
You missed the deadline for a 2020 return; even if your 2020 tax form shows a refund, the IRS will not pay it. IF you could not be claimed as someone else's dependent for 2021, you still have time to file a 2021 return and seek the recovery rebate credit. It is based on your 2021 circumstances, so if someone could claim you as a dependent for 2021, you are not eligible for the credit now, either.
You cannot change the tax year. 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.
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
2021
https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/i1040gi.pdf
Here is the IRS 2021 Form 1040
https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040--2021.pdf
or if you want bigger type use 1040SR for Seniors,
https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040s--2021.pdf
And 2021 Instructions
https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/i1040gi--2021.pdf
2021 Tax and EIC Tables
https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/i1040tt--2021.pdf
Sch 1 : https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040s1--2021.pdf
Sch 2 : https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040s2--2021.pdf
Sch 3 : https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040s3--2021.pdf
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