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Level 1
September 6, 2025
Question

can someone help me file previous years returns how do i do it

  • September 6, 2025
  • 3 replies
  • 52 views
i need to file 2023 and 2021 returns. my 2021 returns were rejected i guess

    3 replies

    Level 15
    September 6, 2025

    You cannot change the tax year.   The current online program is for 2024 only.   Only a 2024 return can be prepared online and only a 2024 return can be e-filed.

     

    Online preparation and e-filing for 2021, 2022, and  2023 is permanently closed.

    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.

     

    To file a return for a prior tax year

     If you need to prepare a return for 2021, 2022, or 2023  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/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/state-taxes/contact-state-department-revenue/L9qVToi02_US_en_US?uid=m6e06um0

     

    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 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.

     

     

     

     

    It is now too late to get a refund for a 2021 return unless you requested an extension for 2021 by the April filing deadline in 2022.   You can print, sign and mail your 2021 return.  It cannot be e-filed.   If you owe tax due for 2021, you still have to pay that and you will be billed for late filing and interest owed.

     

     

     

     You will be able to access the 2021 return you started by using the exact same account and user ID that you used when you started it.   But you can no longer use online software for any further changes.

     

     

     

    Start a 2024  return online and enter some personal information  so that the menu on the left opens up and lets you access your past year returns.

     

    Online tax preparation and e-filing for 2021 returns is now permanently closed.

      

    Now it is too late to use online software or to e-file. If you have any changes/corrections at all to make to your 2021 return, you now have to complete it using desktop software, which you must download to a full PC or Mac  (not to a mobile device).Then you need to print, sign and mail it.

     

    https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/printers-printing/finish-prior-year-return-started-turbotax-online/L9Oe4M90A_US_en_US?uid=m68tffpe

     

    If you already paid for your online software you can ask customer support for a download of the desktop software.

     

    They are available from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific time Monday - Friday

     

    https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1899263-what-is-the-turbotax-phone-number

     

     

    If you are getting a refund, there is no penalty for filing late.  If you owe tax due, then file and pay the amount due as shown on the Form 1040, but expect a bill later from the IRS for the penalty and interest you will owe.  Only the IRS will calculate this—TurboTax will not calculate it.

     

     

    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.

     

    **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.**
    Mike9241
    Level 15
    Level 15
    September 6, 2025

    you're out of luck with 2021 since Turbotax no longer supports that year's app. in addition, any refund you might be due is forfeited for filing so late. However if you owe the IRS can still come after you. 

    2023 desktop. online preparation is no longer available 

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

    cheaper versions (make sure new not used) may be available from reliable online retailers. 

     

     

     

    Mike9241
    VolvoGirl
    Level 15
    September 6, 2025

    The 2021 Desktop program is still available until they close 2024 and put 2024 in the past year products around mid October.  Then 2021 will drop off.  So you better buy and download 2021 right away.  2023 Desktop program is also available.  You can't use the Online versions for 2023 or prior.  

     

    If your 2021 return rejected you can download the .tax2021 data file from Online and fix or finish it in the Desktop program.    Why did it reject?  It might not need fixing and you can just download the pdf and mail it without needing the 2021 Desktop program. 

     

    How to finish a return you started online
    https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/prior-year-return/help/how-do-i-finish-a-prior-year-return-that-i-started-in-turbotax-online/01/26322


    If you can't get the side menus to open up to access the prior year..... You need to start entering some basic Personal Info in 2024 for the side menu to open up. Just continue a little ways into 2024.