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null692
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I'm filing taxes for 2015 to 2018. I know that I can't claim the actual refund because it's been over 3 years. Can I apply the refund to the next year and carry it over?

Referring to the refund from 2015 that would help toward costs in future years.
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3 Replies

I'm filing taxes for 2015 to 2018. I know that I can't claim the actual refund because it's been over 3 years. Can I apply the refund to the next year and carry it over?

You cannot apply a refund to the next tax year from a tax return that is no longer eligible for a refund.

I'm filing taxes for 2015 to 2018. I know that I can't claim the actual refund because it's been over 3 years. Can I apply the refund to the next year and carry it over?

The TurboTax software for years prior to 2018 is no longer available; even if you find it on eBay, etc. it is no longer supported and you will not be able to get updates.   And....as already stated, you are too late to get refunds for any of those tax years.   If the forms show refunds, you forfeited those refunds, and will not receive them in any way.

 

However, if you owe tax due for any of those years, you still need to pay your tax due, and will owe late filing penalties and interest.   

 

E-filing is closed now even for new 2021 returns, so your tax returns will have to be filed by mail.

 

 

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 2018.  Any earlier years can only be prepared on paper forms by hand--and those refunds have been forfeited now.

 

Online preparation and e-filing for 2018 and 2019 and 2020 is permanently closed.

To file a return for a prior tax year

 If you need to prepare a return for 2018, 2019 or 2020 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 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.

 

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 want to prepare the returns using the forms from the IRS by hand:

2015

Form 1040  https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040--2015.pdf

Form1040 Instructions  https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/i1040gi--2015.pdf

Form1040A  https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040a--2015.pdf

Form 1040A Instructions  https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/i1040a--2015.pdf

Form 1040EZ   https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040ez--2015.pdf

Form 1040EZ Instructions  https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/i1040ez--2015.pdf

 

2016

Form 1040  https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040--2016.pdf

Form 1040 Instructions https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/i1040gi--2016.pdf

Form 1040A https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1040a.pdf

Form 1040AInstructions https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/i1040a--2016.pdf

Form1040EZ https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/i1040gi--2016.pdf

 Form 1040EZ Instructions  https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/i1040ez.pdf

 

2017

 

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/i1040gi--2017.pdfhttps://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040--2017.pdf

 

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040a--2017.pdf

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/i1040a--2017.pdf

 

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040ez--2017.pdf

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/i1040ez--2017.pdf

 

 

2018 Form 1040, Schedules and Instructions

 

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040--2018.pdf
 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

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**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.**

I'm filing taxes for 2015 to 2018. I know that I can't claim the actual refund because it's been over 3 years. Can I apply the refund to the next year and carry it over?

And....

 

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?

**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.**

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