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Level 15
January 2, 2021

You can check your TT accounts to see which years you have filed returns in--records go back for seven years.  You can also see what years the IRS has transcripts for.

 

 

What if I do not file my tax return?

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/2572308-what-happens-if-i-don-t-file-my-taxes

 

 

 

You can get a free transcript from the IRS:   

https://www.irs.gov/individuals/get-

Your tax return cannot be sent to you.  You have to access your own account and/or  print it for yourself using exactly the same account and user ID that you used when you prepared the return.

 

Many people have multiple TT accounts and forget how to access them.  Log out of the account you are in now.

 

Account recovery

https://myturbotax.intuit.com/account-recovery/

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1901535-forgot-your-turbotax-online-user-id-or-password

Or did you use the desktop version of TurboTax?  If so, the files are on your own hard drive or any backup device you used like a flash drive.

 

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1901486-how-many-turbotax-accounts-do-i-have

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1901535

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1901659-find-your-tax-data-file-in-mac

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1900721-find-your-tax-data-file-tax-file-in-windows

 

To get a copy of your previously filed returns prepared with online TurboTax https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1900748-how-do-i-get-a-copy-of-a-return-i-filed-in-turbotax-online

 

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1900748-how-do-i-get-a-copy-of-a-return-i-filed-this-year-in-turbotax-online

 

 

The current online program can only be used for a 2020 return--no other year.  And if you did not file a 2019 return you will have trouble e-filing 2020.  When it asks for your 2019 AGI try using zero.  If zero does not work then you have to print, sign and mail 2020.

 

 

Online preparation and e-filing for 2017, 2018 and 2019 is permanently closed.

To file a return for a prior tax year

If you need to prepare a return for 2017, 2018, or 2019 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.

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.

 

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.

 

Refunds for tax years 2016 or earlier have been forfeited and will not be paid to you even if shown on the tax return form.  But if you owe tax due, you will still have to pay, and you will be billed later for the interest and penalties owed.

 

 

 

**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.**
Level 2
August 16, 2022

This is great information, but what I want to know is I have 3 years to file 2019-2021, do I have to purchase 3 separate products for each year or just 1 for all 3 years???? Also, how do I get help if I have questions? Can I buy live help for it if I wanted it? Thank you, Miranda Sullivan

VolvoGirl
Level 15
August 16, 2022

Sorry yes, you have to buy each year separately.   To do a prior year return you have to buy the Desktop program here,
https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/past-years-products
You will need a full Windows or Mac to install it on.

 

Or if you have a simple return you can get the blank forms for free and fill them out by hand.  I have links to the basic ones for each year.

 

 Here are some basic forms for 2020…..

Here is the IRS 2020 Form 1040
https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040--2020.pdf


or if you want bigger type use 1040SR for Seniors,
https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040s--2020.pdf


And 2020 Instructions
https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/i1040gi--2020.pdf


2020 Tax and EIC Tables
https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/i1040tt--2020.pdf

 

Sch 1 : https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040s1--2020.pdf
Sch 2 : https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040s2--2020.pdf
Sch 3 : https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040s3--2020.pdf

Then when you do file 2021 enter 0 for the 2020 AGI since you are filing 2020 late.


You have to print and mail prior year returns. 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. Don’t forget state.


Important! Mail Federal and State in separate envelopes and mail each year in separate envelopes.