Hey there, I am a college student who failed to file taxes for a few years, and now I would like to rectify the mistake. How should I go about this process?

[JuttaS · Accepted solution]

We still sell TurboTax for tax years 2015, 2016, 2017, and of course 2018.

It's best to start with the earliest year and work your way forward. That way info transfers over year over year, the same way it would when you file yearly.

2015, 2016, and 2017 are sold as downloadable or CD software for both WIndows and Mac at this link: https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/past-years-products/

You can do your 2018 taxes either online or with the software (might be best to stick with the software if you did the prior years in the software). You can get the software from us (Intuit) or Amazon - after April retail stores usually pull it. Link for Intuit: https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/cd-download/

Since you're a student, you probably have a simple return, so go with Basic or Deluxe. I'd go with Premier if you have investment sales, and Home & Business if you had self-employment earnings (1099-MISC etc.) 

[fanfare]

See IRS Pub  501 for who must file based on your income and circumstances.

If required to file, comply. You can start with 2018.

try the IRS tool to find free filing.

https://apps.irs.gov/app/freeFile/jsp/wizard.jsp 

[xmasbaby0]

You might be able to just use the simple 1040EZ or 1040A paper forms to save money on purchasing software.

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

2015

Form 1040  https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040--2015.pdf

Form1040 Instructions  https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/i1040gi--2015.pdf

Form1040A  https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040a--2015.pdf

Form 1040A Instructions  https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/i1040a--2015.pdf

Form 1040EZ   https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040ez--2015.pdf

Form 1040EZ Instructions  https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/i1040ez--2015.pdf

2017

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1040.pdf

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/i1040gi.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

All prior year returns must be mailed--they cannot be e-filed.  Mail each year in its own separate envelope.

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 received the return 

Remember to prepare your state returns as well—if you live in a state that has a state income tax.