topic Can I file 4 years of taxes at the same time? in Get your taxes done using TurboTax

Can I file 4 years of taxes at the same time?

nicolelaraway1022 — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 06:42:57 GMT

Re: Can I file 4 years of taxes at the same time?

xmasbaby0 — Sun, 12 Jan 2025 21:30:56 GMT

NO!!

Each tax year has to be filed separately using the forms for the specific tax year. They cannot be combined in any way--do not even put them in the same envelope when you mail them. Software for past years is available back to 2021. Any earlier years can only be prepared on paper forms by hand--and those refunds have been forfeited now.

The current online program can only be used for a 2024 return--no other year. And if you did not file a timely 2023 return you will have trouble e-filing 2024. When it asks for your 2023 AGI try using zero. If zero does not work then you have to print, sign and mail 2024.

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 I file 4 years of taxes at the same time?

VolvoGirl — Sun, 12 Jan 2025 21:32:59 GMT

Yes but not together. You have to buy and file each year separately.

You can only do the last 3 years with Turbo Tax. Online is only good for the current year. You can buy the last 3 years of Turbo Tax here,

https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/past-years-products/

You will need a full Windows or Mac to install it on.

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

For older returns you have to go somewhere else or get the blank forms from the IRS. Here is the link to all the prior year IRS forms

Prior Year Forms and Instructions | Internal Revenue Service

Can I efile prior year returns?

https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/electronic-filing/e-file-2020-2019-earlier-tax-returns/L3pzmE6gH_US_en_US

You will have to print and mail in prior year returns. And if you are doing more than 1 year, send each year in a separate envelope. Sometimes the IRS will just staple all the sheets together and miss a second return. Be sure to attach copies of your W2s and any 1099s that have withholding on them. Don't forget state. 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.

Or if you want to file for free and have a simple return you can get the blank forms from the IRS and fill them in by hand. I have a list of some of the basic ones I can post direct links to.