topic I'm trying to file my 2021 returns late. The website instructed me to use the desktop version, but it keeps trying to help me file my 2022 return. How do I file for 2021? in Get your taxes done using TurboTax

I'm trying to file my 2021 returns late. The website instructed me to use the desktop version, but it keeps trying to help me file my 2022 return. How do I file for 2021?

dbmeyers — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 06:43:37 GMT

Re: I'm trying to file my 2021 returns late. The website instructed me to use the desktop version, but it keeps trying to help me file my 2022 return. How do I file for 2021?

VolvoGirl — Mon, 21 Nov 2022 21:00:46 GMT

2021 is now a prior year.

How to prepare a prior year return

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/using-turbotax/help/how-do-i-prepare-a-prior-year-tax-return/00/25984

Did you start it last year? How to finish a return you started online,

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/prior-year-return/help/how-do-i-finish-a-prior-year-return-that-i-started-in-turbotax-online/01/26322

Sorry it's too,late to start a 2021 online return or use the mobile app, either on Turbo Tax or the IRS. And too late to efile 2021.

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.

And you will have to print and mail your returns. So be sure to attach copies of your W2s and any 1099s that have withholding on them. You have to mail federal and state in separate envelopes because they go to different places. Get a tracking number from the post office when you mail them for proof of filing.

Then when you file for 2022 you need to enter 0 for the 2021 AGI since you are filing 2021 late.

Re: I'm trying to file my 2021 returns late. The website instructed me to use the desktop version, but it keeps trying to help me file my 2022 return. How do I file for 2021?

DoninGA — Mon, 21 Nov 2022 21:00:53 GMT

For tax year 2021 you have to purchase the 2021 TurboTax software from this website - https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/past-years-products/

Download and install the 2021 program. Start the program and then click on the File menu at the top left of the program screen. Click on Open Tax Return. Browse to the location where you download the tax data file for 2021 from the online edition.

See this TurboTax support FAQ for completing a tax return originally started with the online editions - https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/printers-printing/finish-prior-year-return-started-turbotax-online/L9Oe4M90A_US_en_US?uid=lar9vez6

Re: I'm trying to file my 2021 returns late. The website instructed me to use the desktop version, but it keeps trying to help me file my 2022 return. How do I file for 2021?

dbmeyers — Mon, 21 Nov 2022 21:04:09 GMT

Is there no basic option for filing 2021 taxes? All that page offers is the $80 Deluxe edition and above, which is far more than I need.

Re: I'm trying to file my 2021 returns late. The website instructed me to use the desktop version, but it keeps trying to help me file my 2022 return. How do I file for 2021?

VolvoGirl — Mon, 21 Nov 2022 21:25:24 GMT

No Basic sorry. If you have a simple return and want to file for free you can fill out the forms by hand. Here are some basic forms.....

Here is the 2021 1040 return

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040--2021.pdf

or if you want bigger type use 1040SR for Seniors,

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040s--2021.pdf

2021 1040 Instructions

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/i1040gi--2021.pdf

2021 EIC and Tax Tables

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/i1040tt--2021.pdf

Schedules 1-3

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040s1--2021.pdf

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040s2--2021.pdf

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040s3--2021.pdf

Re: I'm trying to file my 2021 returns late. The website instructed me to use the desktop version, but it keeps trying to help me file my 2022 return. How do I file for 2021?

DoninGA — Mon, 21 Nov 2022 21:26:20 GMT

@dbmeyers wrote:

Is there no basic option for filing 2021 taxes? All that page offers is the $80 Deluxe edition and above, which is far more than I need.

The Deluxe desktop edition for 2021 is the least expensive edition on the TurboTax website.

Or you could go to Amazon where they have CD edition for 2021 Deluxe at $16.99 or a 2021 download Deluxe edition at $69.99.

If you know what forms you need you can get the forms directly from the IRS website - https://www.irs.gov/forms-instructions