Software for years earlier than 2016 s not available nor is it supported. Even if you can find it on eBay etc. you would not be able to update it so you could not get accurate results by trying to use it. In just a few weeks, 2016 will also be retired--but you can still get it at the present time. (It is too late to receive a 2016 refund, though). If you are so far behind in filing returns that you are looking for software for those years, you could seek paid professional tax help. Or you could use the paper forms from the IRS site and prepare them by hand.
Each tax year has to be prepared and filed separately on the forms for the specific tax year. Do not try to combine income from different tax years on the same return. And they should also be mailed separately -- if you put them together in one envelope you risk that the person who opens the mail will overlook one and never process it.
It s too late to receive a tax refund for any tax year earlier than 2017; those refunds have been forfeited. But if you owe tax you still have to pay it. The IRS will calculate the late penalties and interest and bill you for it when they receive your returns and the amount shown as tax due on the return. If you owe a lot, a professional tax preparer may be able to help you negotiate that amount.
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 2016. Any earlier years can only be prepared on paper forms by hand--and those refunds have been forfeited now.
The current online program can only be used for a 2019 return--no other year. And if you did not file a 2018 return you will have trouble e-filing 2019. When it asks for your 2018 AGI try using zero. If zero does not work then you have to print, sign and mail 2019.
Online preparation and e-filing for 2016, 2017 and 2018 is permanently closed.
To file a return for a prior tax year
If you need to prepare a return for 2016, 2017, or 2018 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.
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.
If you are getting a refund, there is not a penalty for filing past the deadline. 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.
**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.**
