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New Member
posted Jun 4, 2019 5:31:51 PM

Can you help me figure out how to file my taxes online for 2017 using the the free edition for simple tax returns?

Can you help me figure out how to file my taxes online for 2017 using the the free edition for simple tax returns?

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1 Best answer
Level 15
Jun 4, 2019 5:31:52 PM

Sorry, but that cannot be done.

You can still file a 2017 return, but you cannot prepare it in Online TurboTax, which is now for 2018 only.  You have to use the 2017 desktop software (CD/download.)

You can purchase 2017 desktop software as a download at this page and install it on your computer:
https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/past-years-products/

Minimum system requirements for Windows version:
https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1901571-minimum-system-requirements-for-turbotax-windows-software

Minimum system requirements for Mac version:
https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1899173-minimum-system-requirements-for-turbotax-mac-software

Or did you already start a 2017 return online prior to the 2017 online shutdown, and want to finish that without starting over?  If so, you can download the *.tax2017 data file from your account and finish it in the desktop software.    If you already paid for your product previously, TurboTax Support should furnish you the software.

The 2017 return cannot be efiled.  It will need to be printed, signed, dated, and mailed.  It is recommended to mail by a method that has tracking such as certified return receipt, priority mail, etc.

If you have both Federal and state returns, you need to mail each one separately to its respective tax agency.

If you are due a Federal refund, it takes about 6 weeks for the IRS to process a mailed return.

Approximately 4 weeks from mailing, if you are due a refund, you can use this IRS tool to check on the status.
https://www.irs.gov/refunds

The current government shutdown may delay the timings mentioned above.

3 Replies
Level 15
Jun 4, 2019 5:31:52 PM

Sorry, but that cannot be done.

You can still file a 2017 return, but you cannot prepare it in Online TurboTax, which is now for 2018 only.  You have to use the 2017 desktop software (CD/download.)

You can purchase 2017 desktop software as a download at this page and install it on your computer:
https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/past-years-products/

Minimum system requirements for Windows version:
https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1901571-minimum-system-requirements-for-turbotax-windows-software

Minimum system requirements for Mac version:
https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1899173-minimum-system-requirements-for-turbotax-mac-software

Or did you already start a 2017 return online prior to the 2017 online shutdown, and want to finish that without starting over?  If so, you can download the *.tax2017 data file from your account and finish it in the desktop software.    If you already paid for your product previously, TurboTax Support should furnish you the software.

The 2017 return cannot be efiled.  It will need to be printed, signed, dated, and mailed.  It is recommended to mail by a method that has tracking such as certified return receipt, priority mail, etc.

If you have both Federal and state returns, you need to mail each one separately to its respective tax agency.

If you are due a Federal refund, it takes about 6 weeks for the IRS to process a mailed return.

Approximately 4 weeks from mailing, if you are due a refund, you can use this IRS tool to check on the status.
https://www.irs.gov/refunds

The current government shutdown may delay the timings mentioned above.

Level 15
Jun 4, 2019 5:31:53 PM

If you have a simple return You can fill out the blank forms for free.
Here are some blank forms & instructions for 2017
1040 <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040--2017.pdf">https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040--2017.pdf</a>     
Instructions <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/i1040gi--2017.pdf">https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/i1040gi--2017.pdf</a>

1040A <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040a--2017.pdf">https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040a--2017.pdf</a>    
Instructions <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/i1040a--2017.pdf">https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/i1040a--2017.pdf</a>

1040EZ <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040ez--2017.pdf">https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040ez--2017.pdf</a>    
Instructions <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/i1040ez--2017.pdf">https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/i1040ez--2017.pdf</a>

2017 Tax Tables <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/i1040tt--2017.pdf">https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/i1040tt--2017.pdf</a>
Publication 17 Tax Guide for 2017 <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/p17--2017.pdf">https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/p17--2017.pdf</a>

Don’t forget your state.  And you will have to print and mail your returns.  So be sure to attach copies of your W2s and any 1099s that have withholding on them.  You have to mail federal and state in separate envelopes because they go to different places.  Get a tracking number from the post office when you mail them for proof of filing.

New Member
Jun 4, 2019 5:31:55 PM

very helpful, thank you!