How do I use turbotax for previous years?

[rjs · Accepted solution]

You cannot use TurboTax Online to file for past years. TurboTax Online is only for the current tax year, which is now 2017. To file for previous years you have to use the CD or download TurboTax software for the year or years that you need. You can purchase downloads at the following link. You have to purchase a separate program for each year that you need to file. TurboTax is no longer available for years earlier than 2014.

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

You might get a better price from a reputable online seller that still has TurboTax in stock for the years that you need.

TurboTax does not allow returns for past years to be e-filed. You will have to print your past-year tax returns, sign them, and file them by mail.

[Anonymous]

When I try and buy previous years online the billing address form only has US and Canada as choices.  This blocks me from using your product as I'm in the UK.  Is there a way around this or should I just do my taxes myself without your product?

[xmasbaby0]

You can only purchase the software using a U.S. based credit/debit card.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1901301-what-forms-of-payment-does-turbotax-online-accept

[Warrentheo]

You need to checkout Privacy.com, it is like a VPN for your credit card...

[Bcreek]

I’m curious too. I can’t seem to find a clear answer. I need to file 2018 and 2019 taxes (I barely make much, so usually get a refund). How can I use the free-file version of TurboTax to file for 2018?? 

Or do I need to go to the IRS website and print out pages for 2018 tax returns, then mail them in?

I'm extremely confused and would love any help.

Thank you in advance.

B.

[VolvoGirl]

Yes if you want to file 2018 for free you have to do it by hand.  The links are at the bottom.

Sorry, Online for 2018 and prior is closed now so you can not start a new 2018 return or finish one. Online is only for 2019. Oct 15, 2019 was the last day to efile.  2018 is now the prior year.

How to finish a prior year online return
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/prior-year-return/help/how-do-i-finish-a-prior-year-return-that-i-...

You can only buy the download for prior years. You have to buy a separate program for each year. They only sell the last 3 years. You need a full Windows or Mac computer to install it on. Buy the download here
https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/past-years-products/

You have to print and mail prior year returns. 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 received the return. Don’t forget state.

Important! Mail Federal and State in separate envelopes and mail each year in separate envelopes.

If you are getting a refund, there is not a penalty for filing past the deadline. You have 3 years to file for a refund. 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.

How to file a prior year
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/using-turbotax/help/how-do-i-prepare-a-prior-year-tax-return/00/25...


Or If you have a simple return You can fill out the blank forms for free.
Here is the IRS 2018 Form 1040
https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040--2018.pdf

And 2018 Instructions https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/i1040gi--2018.pdf
2018 Tax and EIC Tables https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/i1040tt--2018.pdf

IRS 2018 Schedules 1 thru 6 (only if needed)
Sch 1 : https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040s1--2018.pdf
Sch 2 : https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040s2--2018.pdf
Sch 3 : https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040s3--2018.pdf
Sch 4 : https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040s4--2018.pdf
Sch 5 : https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040s5--2018.pdf
Sch 6 : https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040s6--2018.pdf

[Bcreek]

Nevermind. I see that a different thread addressed some of my questions, save for one: especially in this economy [been out of work for about 8 weeks now] I can’t afford to pay the $79 fee to download TurboTax’s software for 2018. How do I proceed??

My kids and I can desperately use the stimulus check, so am trying to file 2018 ASAP.

(I assume I file 2019 online..after I mail in 2018? What’s the order to file them in?)

Thank you 🙂

[VolvoGirl]

You can file 2019 first.  Since you haven't filed 2018 yet you enter 0 for the 2018 AGI to efile 2019.

[Bcreek]

Gotcha.

Will filling out 2019 first- negatively affect our stimulus check?

[xmasbaby0]

Your 2019 will get to the IRS faster than 2018 if you can e-file it.  2018 cannot be e-filed.  2018 has to be submitted by mail, and the IRS is not even opening the mail right now. If you need to file both, get 2019 on its way.  The IRS is looking at 2018 or 2019.

[studentotg]

There are so many pages...What do you send to the IRS and what to state?

[JotikaT2]

It depends.

Are you trying to print out your return to mail to the IRS and state taxing agencies?

If so, please see the link below for instructions.  You will be able to indicate that you want to mail the tax return for filing.  TurboTax will then print only the forms that need to be mailed in along with any filing instructions.

Printing your return

@studentotg

[smithta75]

How do I use turbotax for 2016 

[DawnC]

You have obtain the desktop software for 2016 which can be foundhere!

TurboTax Online is only for the current year (TY 2019 right now)

@smithta75