And if you need to file returns from three years back, and need your W-2's, contact the old employers and beg for copies. Phone them, email them and snail mail them if necessary, and make sure they have your current address so they can send them.
Another way to get past W-2's is to pay Social Security for them:
https://www.irs.gov/help-resources/tools-faqs/faqs-for-individuals/frequently-asked-tax-questions-an...
Another way to get income information when you do not have your W-2's is to get a Wage and Income transcript from the IRS for each of those years. This will show the income that was reported to the IRS by your employers -- but it will only show federal information. It will not have what you need to prepare a state return.
https://www.irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript
You can use TurboTax desktop software to prepare returns for as far back as 2016. They cannot be e-filed. They have to be printed, signed, and mailed.
To file a return for a prior tax year
If you need to prepare a return for 2016, 2017, or 2018 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/
Remember to prepare your state return as well—if you live in a state that has a state income tax.
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.
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.
Each tax return needs to be mailed in its own separate envelope.
**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.**
