So I started doing my taxes and I added my 2015 tax W-2 that I never completed and then added my 2016 tax W-2 refund on the same application. Did it file them as one?

[xmasbaby0 · Accepted solution]

You should NOT combine a 2015 W-2 and a 2016 W-2 on the same tax return.  Each year must be filed separately.  If you have now already e-filed that return, you will have to wait and see if the return is rejected or accepted by the IRS when processing begins on January 23.  If it is rejected, you can correct your 2016 return by removing that 2015 W-2 from it, and re-submitting your 2016 return with ONLY your 2016 income on it.  Then you would also need to obtain the desktop software for 2015 in order to prepare a 2015 tax return--which can only be submitted by printing, signing, and mailing.

If the IRS accepts the return you submitted with those two years' worth of W-2's, you will need to amend your 2016 tax return when the 1040X form for amending becomes available in February.  And you will still need to file a 2015 return as explained above with the 2015 W-2.  You will probably need to come back to Answer Xchange for further help when you see what the IRS does with your return.

For now, you need to wait.  The IRS will not even begin processing returns until January 23.  Do not go back into your tax return and try to change anything now, or it will be a worse problem.

[pgomez971]

There is no taking it back now?

[xmasbaby0]

No--when you e-file a return it is just like putting it in a mailbox.  You cannot get it back.  Now all you can do is wait.See what happens when the IRS processes your return, then come back to Answer Xchange and we will help you.