What form authorizes the IRS to file w2s from previous years not filed

[macuser_22]

What ?    The IRS does not file tax returnes - you do.

Each years W-2 can only be filed on a 1040 tax return for that year - they cannot be combined.   You cannot claim a refund for any tax year prior to 2017.

[mastersmb]

Actually your incorrect. They’re currently holding my return for 2019 because I didn’t file my previous two W2s from 2018 and 2017. I had the option to go back and file myself or sign the notice which gives them authorization to file it but I won’t be eligible for any tax credits etc. so. If someone has an actual answer please reply. Thanks 

[macuser_22]

---

@mastersmb wrote:

Actually your incorrect. They’re currently holding my return for 2019 because I didn’t file my previous two W2s from 2018 and 2017. I had the option to go back and file myself or sign the notice which gives them authorization to file it but I won’t be eligible for any tax credits etc. so. If someone has an actual answer please reply. Thanks 

---

You can either file the missing 2017 and 2018 returns or agree to the terms of the IRS letter.  They don't actually file the missing returns for you but but will use their records to apply the data that they have and bill you if any tax is owed.  What authorized them to do that?  - your agreement to the terms of the letter is what.

[mastersmb]

Okay well thanks, but your reply isn’t helping so please allow somebody else to reply ❤️

[xmasbaby0]

@mastersmb Here is what Champ macuser_22 correctly told you about:

What if I do not file my tax return?

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/2572308-what-happens-if-i-don-t-file-my-taxes

If you now want to prepare and file your own returns for those years, you need to get hold of your W-2's and then prepare tax returns and mail them in.

W-2's come from your employer, and they have until Jan. 31 to issue it.   You might need to phone, drop in, email and/or snail mail an old employer to make sure they know where to send your W-2.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/2561916-how-can-i-get-a-copy-of-my-w-2

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/income/help/what-if-it-s-february-but-i-still-don-t-have-my-w-2/00...

https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc154

Other ways to get W-2’s:

Pay Social Security $86 per W-2:

https://www.irs.gov/help-resources/tools-faqs/faqs-for-individuals/frequently-asked-tax-questions-an...

You can get a wage and income transcript from the IRS:  It will not show the actual W-2, 1099’s, etc, but will show the income information the IRS received.  It will not, however, show your state information. It will only show the federal information.

https://www.irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript

https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tips/irs-tax-forms/what-is-a-w-2-form/L6VJbqWl5

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.

If you want to prepare the tax returns by hand on paper forms without software:

https://www.irs.gov/filing/where-to-file-paper-tax-returns-with-or-without-a-payment

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

[xmasbaby0]

In addition--if any of your income was reported on any sort of 1099:

There are about two dozen kinds of 1099's.  A 1099Misc is typically issued by an individual or business for whom you performed work as an independent contractor, so seek a copy from them if you did not save yours.  Many of the other types of 1099's are issued by banks, brokerages and other financial institutions from which you can seek copies.

[Critter-3]

https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-increasing-focus-on-taxpayers-who-have-not-filed-tax-return

The Internal Revenue Service announced it will visit more taxpayers who haven't filed tax returns for prior years in an effort to increase tax compliance and further enforce the law. In addition, the IRS is increasing the use of data analytics, research and new compliance strategies, including personal visits, to reach taxpayers and tax return preparers who have not filed federal tax returns.

The goal of these strategies is to bring delinquent taxpayers into compliance with their filing and payment tax obligations and promote future tax compliance.

To further promote voluntary compliance with tax laws, the IRS is also using new ways to leverage existing processes and systems, including:

• Increase the identification and case creation for individual and business non-filers. New cases will be assigned to IRS employees for appropriate resolution.
   
• Automated Substitute for Return program (ASFR). This affects individual taxpayers who have not filed tax returns, but whose available income information shared with the IRS indicates a significant income tax liability. As part of the ASFR program, the IRS sends notices to these taxpayers alerting them to the potential liability.
   
• Automated 6020(b) process. Promotes employment tax filing compliance by identifying business taxpayers with employment tax requirements who have not filed for a specific period. Ensuring businesses comply with their employment tax filing and payment requirements is another priority for the IRS.
   
• Delinquent Return Refund Hold program (DRRH). Systemically holds an individual taxpayer's income tax refund when their account has at least one unfiled tax return within the five years surrounding that return.