I didn’t file my taxes for 2023 this year, but I know I am getting a refund. Does it make a difference if I file by midnight on 12/31 or wait until next tax season?

[xmasbaby0]

It makes no difference at all.   If you do not owe or are getting a refund you have three years from the original filing deadline to file and still get your refund.   E-filing is already permanently closed for 2023, so the only way for you to file your 2023 return is by mail.  You will need to print it, sign and date it in ink, and mail it in.

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.

[xmasbaby0]

You cannot change the tax year.   The current online program is for 2024 only.   Only a 2024 return can be prepared online and only a 2024 return can be e-filed.

Online preparation and e-filing for 2021, 2022, and  2023 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 2021, 2022, or 2023  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/community/state-taxes/help/how-do-i-contact-my-state-department-of-revenue/0... 

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.

[Lashayweeden4]

This is incorrect . I just E-filed my 2023 tax return on March 7th , 2025 and transcripts just updated with DDD for 3/19 

you can ONLY e file a year prior tax return if you have a IP pin. If not then yes you have to mail it.

[xmasbaby0]

@Lashayweeden4 What software did you use for the 2023 return that you say you just e-filed in March 2025?   If you used the current online software program, your return is all wrong.  The current online software is only for 2024 tax returns.  The online program uses 2024 forms and 2024 tax laws.  Even if you somehow managed to e-file it and it was accepted, it is wrong and will need to be amended.  Only 2024 income can be entered into the current online software program.

To prepare a 2023 return, you need to use 2023 software:

You cannot change the tax year.   The current online program is for 2024 only.   Only a 2024 return can be prepared online and only a 2024 return can be e-filed.

Online preparation and e-filing for 2021, 2022, and  2023 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 2021, 2022, or 2023  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.

[Lashayweeden4]

Lmfaoo what? What are you even talking about ? How are you going to tell me my return is wrong ? Lol I used freetaxusa !! Only had a simple W-2. I filed my 2023 tax return march 7th,2025 and was accepted the same day. This morning On march 14th 2025, ( I look at my transcript/2023 )

and I DO in have a 846 Code Refund issued with DDD of March 19th. I’ll Receive my 2023 refund Wednesday. If not earlier . So you ARE incorrect… im sorry hun but everyone is different 

[xmasbaby0]

If you used FreeTax, why are you posting on the TurboTax user forum?   Whatever you managed to do on the FreeTax site is irrelevant to the way things work with TurboTax.

[VolvoGirl]

Did you save or get a printout of your 2023 tax return?   Just double check it says 2023 on it.  We don’t know about other tax websites but we think you can’t prepare a prior year online or efile it from most places except maybe some local accountants or tax places.

[Lashayweeden4]

Because I seen your comment on how you were misinformed. Also I am a member of TurboTax given I used it to file my 2024 tax return. I didn’t know I couldn’t comment in certain groups ??🤣

[Lashayweeden4]

Either way you are incorrect 

[xmasbaby0]

We are in the TurboTax user forum to help users who use TurboTax software and we gladly help anyone who has a general tax question as well.  You did not tell us in your earlier post about e-filing 2023 that you did not use TT, so it is natural for us to think that you did.   Either way, good luck and we hope the 2023 return you filed is on a 2023 tax form.    If your 2024 return that you prepared using TurboTax is rejected for duplicate use of your SSN, that will be a sign to you that you filed using 2024 on Free Tax.

[Darkknightledger]

Did you get your refund