Does it affect us as we were advised to do 2023 and 2024 tax returns together with guestimates, then Stephen and I would receive our refund?

[sheridan_3255]

Why are we being questioned? Laura is a sole proprietor landlord who works for herself. She does not need to file any forms with our taxes.

[xmasbaby0]

What do you mean by "do them together?"

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 2021.  Any earlier years can only be prepared on paper forms by hand--and those refunds have been forfeited now.

TurboTax has software for 2021 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 2021---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?

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/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 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.

[xmasbaby0]

By "do them together" are you referring to filing a joint tax return?    Only a legally married couple can file a joint return----are you married?  Your post does not explain whether you are married.   If you are married, you need to put ALL of your combined income on the same tax return including the self-employment income and any other income including W-2 income, etc. if you are filing married filing jointly.

Please provide some details.

[VolvoGirl]

And what  do you mean she doesn’t need to file any forms with your tax return?  She has to file Schedule C for self employment sole proprietor in your personal joint 1040 tax return.  Or does she have a Single Member LLC that is a S corp.?  

[xmasbaby0]

There are more things in your post that are unclear than there are things that are clear.   First---we do not know if Stephen and Laura are a married couple or BF and GF, father and daughter, etc etc. etc.  We do not know why you are wanting to enter "guesstimates" or what you are guessing at.   We do not know if you are confused and are trying to put two tax years together on the same tax form---you mention 2023 and 2024 "together."   We do not know what other kinds of income you have to enter on a tax return.   You say Laura is a sole proprietor---but we do not know how that is organized-----does she have a S-corps?   Or does she just complete a Schedule C?

And who "advised" you to do 2023 and 2024 together?