I need to file my 2021 taxes due to an issue I wasn’t aware of. What is the best way to go about that since it’s late? I’d rather go to jail over a mistake on my part lol

[VolvoGirl]

You didn't file 2021 at all?  Or need to amend it?

Sorry, Online is only for 2022 now. Online for 2021 and prior is closed now so you can not start a new 2020 or prior return or finish one. You have to do each year separately

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

To do a prior year return you have to buy the Desktop program here,
https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/past-years-products
You will need a full Windows or Mac to install it on.

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

If you want to file for free you can fill out the forms by hand. Here are some basic forms…..

Here is the IRS 2021 Form 1040
https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040--2021.pdf

or if you want bigger type use 1040SR for Seniors,
https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040s--2021.pdf

And 2021 Instructions
https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/i1040gi--2021.pdf

2021 Tax and EIC Tables
https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/i1040tt--2021.pdf

Sch 1 : https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040s1--2021.pdf
Sch 2 : https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040s2--2021.pdf
Sch 3 : https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040s3--2021.pdf

Then when you do file 2022 enter 0 for the 2021 AGI since you are filing 2021 late.

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.

[rpalmer31783]

It was due to a messy divorce around Covid. I was given half of a return for 2021 so I had no reason to question whether it was filed, I accept responsibility for not inquiring further. I do not know how she filed and have lost track of where she even is at this point. So I intended to file married-separate to rectify the issue. I found out by filling out a fafsa and not having the paperwork then asking the IRS to finish the fafsa, only to find that no return was filed. Another issue is that I can’t acquire the W2s from two places I worked as they went out of business during Covid. I believe I have to fill out a 4506-T to acquire those. 

[GeorgeM777]

Given your tax situation, it makes sense to request a copy of your tax transcript.  You can use the IRS' Get Transcript tool to request your wage and income transcript.   It shows the data reported to the IRS on information returns such as Forms W-2, Form 1099 series, Form 1098 series, and Form 5498 series; however, state or local information isn't included with the Form W-2 information. These transcripts are available for the past ten tax years.

Here is a link to the IRS webpage where you can request your tax record.

Get Your Tax Record

The IRS only retains actual copies of Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement when attached to your paper tax return. The only way to get an actual copy of your Form W-2 from the IRS is to order a copy of the entire return by using Form 4506, Request for Copy of Tax Return and paying a $43 fee for each return requested. We will waive the fee for taxpayers impacted by a federally declared disaster or a significant fire. Include the Disaster Designation (for example, Alabama Hurricane Sally) in bold letters at the top of the Form 4506. 

@rpalmer31783