How do I file long overdue taxes from past years; 2020-2025?

Software is no longer available from TurboTax for 2020 or 2021; any refunds you could have received for those years have been forfeited---which is extra sad because those were the tax years for the stimulus checks.   If you owe tax due for those years you must still pay with late filing penalties and interest.

TurboTax has software for 2022 onward.   Software is no longer available from TurboTax for earlier years, nor would it be supported even if you find it on eBay, etc.  Updates are not available.   It is also too late to receive a tax refund for a tax year earlier than 2022---those refunds have been forfeited. 

It might be better for you to seek local paid tax help in a situation when you are several years behind in filing your tax returns.  Do you even have all of the documents you will need to enter and show your income—like your W-2’s and any 1099’s?

You cannot change the tax year.   The current online program is for 2025 only.   Only a 2025 return can be prepared online and only a 2025 return can be e-filed.

Online preparation and e-filing for 2022, 2023, and  2024 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 2022, 2023, or 2024  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-revenue/L9qVToi02_US_en_US?uid=m6e06um0

You cannot change the tax year.   The current online program is for 2025 only.   Only a 2025 return can be prepared online and only a 2025 return can be e-filed.

Online preparation and e-filing for 2022, 2023, and  2024 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 2022, 2023, or 2024  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-revenue/L9qVToi02_US_en_US?uid=m6e06um0

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.

Before you file your back taxes, learn how to gather old tax documents, which forms to complete, and how to minimize penalties and interest.   Take a look at this guide to get started.

The IRS usually only requires you to file the last six years of tax returns to be considered in good standing. That said, the IRS prefers that you file all back tax returns for years you have not yet filed. 

Unfortunately, there is a limit on how far back you can file a tax return to claim tax refunds and tax credits.  This IRS only allows you to claim refunds and tax credits within three years of the tax return's original due date. 

TurboTax supports filing of tax returns for tax years 2022, 2023, and 2024.   To get the previous years software, see this link.  

You can get prior years forms (tax year 2020-2021) from the IRS - Forms website.