Can TurboTax help me file back tax returns?

frances-warden — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 07:13:24 GMT

I have income this year from sale of mutual funds, but had not taxable income for the previous five years. I need to file returns and income average.

Re: Can TurboTax help me file back tax returns?

VolvoGirl — Wed, 01 Jan 2025 21:04:10 GMT

If you had no income in the prior years you do not need to file a return. I don't think you can do Income Averaging anymore. Haven't been able to average for years.

Re: Can TurboTax help me file back tax returns?

xmasbaby0 — Wed, 01 Jan 2025 21:22:52 GMT

Income averaging went away sometime after the dinosaurs. Sorry. If you need to file any back tax returns you can do that, but it might not help you with what you are trying to accomplish.

TurboTax has software for 2021 onward. Software is no longer available from TurboTax for earlier years, nor would it be supported even if you find it on eBay, etc. Updates are not available. It is also too late to receive a tax refund for a tax year earlier than 2021---those refunds have been forfeited. BUT if you owe tax due you still have to pay with penalties and interest. There might be other software providers that have software for those years, but you will not receive refunds for the returns even if the forms show a refund.

It might be better for you to seek local paid tax help in a situation when you are several years behind in filing your tax returns. Do you even have all of the documents you will need to enter and show your income—like your W-2’s and any 1099’s?

You cannot change the tax year. The current online program is for 2024 only. Only a 2024 return can be prepared online and only a 2024 return can be e-filed.

Online preparation and e-filing for 2021, 2022, and 2023 is permanently closed.

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.

To file a return for a prior tax year

If you need to prepare a return for 2021, 2022, or 2023 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 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.

Re: Can TurboTax help me file back tax returns?

rjs — Wed, 01 Jan 2025 22:29:14 GMT

Income averaging was eliminated from the tax law in 1987.

Your income from the sale of mutual funds is fully taxable in the year that you sold them.

topic Can TurboTax help me file back tax returns? in Get your taxes done using TurboTax

Can TurboTax help me file back tax returns?

Re: Can TurboTax help me file back tax returns?

Re: Can TurboTax help me file back tax returns?

Re: Can TurboTax help me file back tax returns?