topic Filing 2021 tax return in Get your taxes done using TurboTax

Filing 2021 tax return

kcit6266 — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 12:31:14 GMT

I'm trying to file my 2021 by tomorrow to meet my extension deadline (15 Feb). One screen in Turbotax premium says I can't e-file for 2021 (too late), but when I click continue, the next screen asks if I want to e-file (recommends e-file) and allows me to select e-file. Can I e-file, or not?

Re: Filing 2021 tax return

DavidD66 — Wed, 15 Feb 2023 02:51:54 GMT

Prior-year returns must be paper-filed, as e-filing is no longer available for them. For more information, see the following TurboTax Help article:

How do I file a 2021, 2020, or 2019 tax return?

Re: Filing 2021 tax return

derebewaddisu1 — Thu, 28 Dec 2023 17:27:25 GMT

2021tax form

Re: Filing 2021 tax return

xmasbaby0 — Thu, 28 Dec 2023 17:31:11 GMT

@derebewaddisu1 You did not post a complete question--so we do not know if you mean you need to prepare and file a 2021 return or if you mean you are trying to find a copy of your 2021 return that you already prepared and filed using TurboTax.

If you are trying to find your filed 2021 return:

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.

Start a 2023 return online and enter some personal information so that the menu on the left opens up and lets you access your past year returns.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/prior-year-return/help/how-do-i-access-my-prior-year-return/01/27010

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

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

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/1901659-find-your-tax-data-file-in-mac

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

You can get a free transcript from the IRS or for a fee of $43, an actual copy of your tax return.

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

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f4506.pdf

SAVE YOUR TAX RETURN !

EVERY year before mid-October you should save a copy of your tax return as a pdf and print a copy of it for your records. That way you will not be searching online frantically when you need it for a lender, FAFSA forms, your next tax return, etc.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1900937-why-should-i-save-a-pdf-copy-of-my-return

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1899779-what-s-the-difference-between-the-tax-data-file-and-the-pdf-file

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1912466-how-do-i-save-my-return-as-a-pdf-in-the-turbotax-software-for-windows •

NOTE: TurboTax and the IRS save returns for seven years. Returns older than seven years are purged.

Re: Filing 2021 tax return

xmasbaby0 — Thu, 28 Dec 2023 17:32:17 GMT

@derebewaddisu1

If you still need to prepare and file 2021:

Online preparation and e-filing for 2020, 2021, and 2022 is permanently closed.

To file a return for a prior tax year

If you need to prepare a return for 2020, 2021, or 2022 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/00/25573

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.