Any income tax refund for tax year 2021 has been forfeited -- it will not be paid even if your 2021 tax form shows a refund. You can still file a 2021 return; if you owe tax due it is owed with late filing penalties and interest. It is not too late to file a 2022 return and get a 2022 refund---if you file it no later than April 15, 2026. The "covid refund" you refer to----the stimulus checks---were issued for tax years 2020 and 2021; it is too late to receive those. Sorry but you missed those deadlines if you did not file returns for 2020 or 2021.
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 2022. 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 2025 return--no other year. And if you did not file a timely 2024 return you will have trouble e-filing 2025. When it asks for your 2024 AGI try using zero. If zero does not work then you have to print, sign and mail 2025.
TurboTax has software for 2022 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 2022---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.
You cannot change the tax year. The current online program is for 2025 only. Only a 2025 return can be prepared online and only a 2025 return can be e-filed.
Online preparation and e-filing for 2022, 2023, and 2024 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 2022, 2023, or 2024 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/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/state-taxes/contact-state-department-rev...
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.
TurboTax software is no longer available for 2021 but here are the forms if you want to prepare them by hand to mail in:
2021
https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/i1040gi.pdf
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
**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.**
