topic I didn't file my taxes last year so I bought Turbo Tax 2023 and it's not letting me e-file in Get your taxes done using TurboTax

I didn't file my taxes last year so I bought Turbo Tax 2023 and it's not letting me e-file

drewsg311 — Thu, 27 Feb 2025 18:04:22 GMT

I'm confused. The program won't allow me to e-file 2023 tax returns because it says that the return window is closed. Ininut's own helpdesk says that the IRS still accepts e-files from 2022 and 2023. Is there a way to still e-file my 2023 return now (Feburary 2025)?

Re: I didn't file my taxes last year so I bought Turbo Tax 2023 and it's not letting me e-file

xmasbaby0 — Thu, 27 Feb 2025 18:06:59 GMT

No. Only some professional paid tax preparers using pro software can e-file past year returns. You cannot e-file a past year return using do-it-yourself TurboTax. Your 2023 return can only be filed by mail. Print it, sign and date it in ink, and mail it in.

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: I didn't file my taxes last year so I bought Turbo Tax 2023 and it's not letting me e-file

drewsg311 — Thu, 27 Feb 2025 18:12:21 GMT

Ok. Thank you. I figured. The help page made a distinction between individual returns and business returns.

Re: I didn't file my taxes last year so I bought Turbo Tax 2023 and it's not letting me e-file

farhan_ahmad — Sun, 13 Apr 2025 09:00:07 GMT

I've a similar situation and I am using the Turbo Tax desktop version to file 2023 taxes. At the end, it also gave me the same message stating that the e-file period is closed, and I have to mail the tax returns. However, when I clicked next, it said e-file is recommended. Then it asked for the bank and routing details. I have not filed it yet, but I am confused. why is it recommending for e-file when previously it mentioned e-file window is closed.

Re: I didn't file my taxes last year so I bought Turbo Tax 2023 and it's not letting me e-file

xmasbaby0 — Sun, 13 Apr 2025 13:06:02 GMT

Ignore the prompt to e-file. You cannot e-file. You can enter banking information for direct deposit if that is what you want, instead of a check mailed to your address.

Re: I didn't file my taxes last year so I bought Turbo Tax 2023 and it's not letting me e-file

farhan_ahmad — Sun, 13 Apr 2025 17:11:53 GMT

You are right. Mail is the only option. It is a glitch in Turbo Tax that, after giving the warning the e-file window is closed on 10/31/2024, it continues to recommend e-file. I went all the way to "Transmit electronic refunds" following the recommendation, and that's when that message appeared again as an error.

Filing by mail now.

Re: I didn't file my taxes last year so I bought Turbo Tax 2023 and it's not letting me e-file

rfarrior — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 04:23:01 GMT

why turbo tax will not let me e-file my 2023 tax

Re: I didn't file my taxes last year so I bought Turbo Tax 2023 and it's not letting me e-file

mesquitebean — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 05:40:14 GMT

@ rfarrior wrote:
why turbo tax will not let me e-file my 2023 tax

Online TurboTax is ONLY for 2025 returns. To prepare a 2023 return with TurboTax requires the 2023 desktop software installed on a computer. Did you use the 2023 desktop software to prepare your 2023 return? Or do you not have the 2023 software and need to purchase it?

A 2023 return cannot be efiled with TurboTax. It has to be printed, signed, dated, and postal mailed (or private delivery service such as FedEx or UPS using a special IRS courier address). It's recommended to use a method that has tracking. It can take several weeks for the IRS to process a mailed paper return.