1. Is it bad that I am just now filing for 2021? What are the potential consequences for filing late?
If you are getting a refund, there is not a penalty for filing past the deadline. If you owe taxes, the interest/penalties will be calculated by the IRS based on how much you owe and when they receive your return and payment. The IRS will bill you for this; it will not be calculated by TurboTax.
You cannot use online TurboTax for 2021. You need the CD/download and you must file 2021 by mail.
2. I have made donations to charities, totaling about $500, that are tax-deductible. What does this really mean and where do I report these when filing?
A charitable donation almost never changes your tax due or refund all by itself. First, your donation does not count "dollar for dollar"--it is calculated by a percentage based on your tax bracket. You need a LOT of other itemized deductions like mortgage interest or property taxes, medical expense, etc. to itemize and exceed your standard deduction.
3 I have a 1095-C from my employer for my insurance. Where do I report this or does it need to be reported?
You do not enter a 1095C. When it asks if you have a 1095A, just click NO, and move on. You only have to enter health insurance if you had marketplace insurance "Obamacare" from healthcare.gov
The current online software can only be used for a 2022 return, and will be available until October 16, 2023. After that, online preparation and e-filing close down. If you miss that deadline you need to use downloaded software and mail your 2022 return.
Each tax year has to be filed separately using the forms for the specific tax year. They cannot be combined in any way--do not even put them in the same envelope when you mail them. Software for past years is available back to 2019. Any earlier years can only be prepared on paper forms by hand--and those refunds have been forfeited now.
The current online program can only be used for a 2022 return--no other year. And if you did not file a 2021 return you will have trouble e-filing 2022. When it asks for your 2021 AGI try using zero. If zero does not work then you have to print, sign and mail 2022
Online preparation and e-filing for 2019 and 2020 and 2021 is permanently closed.
To file a return for a prior tax year
If you need to prepare a return for 2019, 2020 or 2021 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 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.
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.
**Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to offer the most correct information possible. The poster disclaims any legal responsibility for the accuracy of the information that is contained in this post.**
