Where can I complete my 2016 tax return for free?

[JuanitaLO]

To file 2016 tax return for free you will need to get 2016 forms from IRS’s website, complete and mailing them. Keep in mind if you want to use TurboTax for any previous year return you will need to purchase the Desktop Version for that year you need to file.  

You can download the Forms and Instructions free from the IRS website at this link:

http://www.irs.gov/app/picklist/list/priorFormPublication.html

You can purchase the Desktop Version for the previous year at this link:

http://shop.turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/past-years-products.jsp

In any event, you have to file the return by mail. TurboTax does not support e-file of prior year returns. Tip: If you prepare multiple years of prior returns, mail each one to the IRS in a separate envelope to be sure that each one is recognized as a separate tax return.

Note: Prior year versions only go back to the past 3 tax years. Anything older than that we no longer sell nor support.

[jadaerick]

help

[CassLO]

Unfortunately, you'll need to purchase and download the TurboTax software for PC or Mac as TurboTax Online and the mobile app are only available for the current tax year. Please see the Turbo Tax Products that would fit your needs.

Please see the below TurboTax FAQ for instructions on how to prepare your 2016 tax return with TurboTax:

How do I prepare a prior-year tax return?

[Birman4963]

I have 2016 way overdue. Where can I do it for free

[xmasbaby0]

@Birman4963 Software for 2016 is not available from TurboTax.    There might be some other software company that offers 2016 but it will be up to you to google that for yourself.   You are way too late to get a refund for a 2016 tax return----even if your tax form shows a refund it has been forfeited   But if you owe tax due you still have to pay it with penalties and interest

You can get the paper forms to prepare by hand and mail for free:

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

PRIOR YEAR FORMS FROM IRS

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

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.