topic Filing returns for past years in Get your taxes done using TurboTax

Filing returns for past years

user17581283296 — Wed, 17 Sep 2025 17:10:47 GMT

Hi,
Could someone please share the details of the process of filing returns for past years?
- Can this be done online using Turbotax?
- Any expert help over phone/live meeting or local expert from Turbotax for these past years?
Thanks

Re: Filing returns for past years

xmasbaby0 — Wed, 17 Sep 2025 17:12:43 GMT

Sorry--live "expert" help is only available for current year --2024-- tax returns. The live experts do not help with past year returns. If you need that sort of help, seek local paid help.

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/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/state-taxes/contact-state-department-revenue/L9qVToi02_US_en_US?uid=m6e06um0

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: Filing returns for past years

user17581283296 — Wed, 17 Sep 2025 17:19:19 GMT

Thanks. How about filing returns prior to year 2020.
This link only shows options for 2021 onwards -
https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/[product key removed]cts/

Also please share thoughts on any expert help over phone/live meeting or local expert from Turbotax for these past years?

Re: Filing returns for past years

xmasbaby0 — Wed, 17 Sep 2025 17:25:10 GMT

@user17581283296 TurboTax no longer provides software for any year earlier than 2021. There might be other tax software companies that will still sell you software for 2020 or earlier. Those refunds have been forfeited. If you owe tax due, it is owed with late filing penalties and interest, for which the IRS will bill you.

Or...seek local paid tax help with past year returns. You can also use paper forms from the IRS to prepare by hand to mail in.

TurboTax does not provide expert help for past year returns. The "Live" experts only help with current year returns---for 2024.

Re: Filing returns for past years

user17581283296 — Wed, 17 Sep 2025 17:44:04 GMT

Thanks for the quick response.

Seems I bought a desktop software from Turbotx for 2017 (or 2018). Can I still use it for past years return?

Also I don owe any taxes for past years. Do I still required to file tax returns for these years?

Re: Filing returns for past years

Loretta P — Fri, 19 Sep 2025 20:25:18 GMT

@user17581283296 Even if you don't think you owe anything for the prior years, you would want to file if you had a filing requirement. There are things like deductions, credits, losses, etc. that may not be claimed in the tax filing year that can roll forward until you can take them. The only way to track that is to file the returns.

If you purchased the prior year desktop version and still have the license code you should still be able to use it. If it was a 2017 version you would only be able to prepare the 2017 tax year return. The software changes each tax year because the tax code has updates each year. There is a different version of TurboTax Desktop for each tax year. Your best bet for filing with the IRS for prior years from 2020 and earlier is to download the forms & instructions from the IRS website. Prior year forms and instructions at the IRS has form Form 1040 available as far back as 1913. It has Schedule A Itemized Deductions & Schedule B Interest & Dividend going back to the 1970s. You should be able to find all the forms and instructions you need to complete your prior year returns. You may also want to consider consulting a local tax preparer or you may want to check with the IRS's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) or Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs (see the link below).

Important considerations for prior-year returns

You must file by mail. The IRS does not allow taxpayers to e-file prior-year returns themselves. Only registered tax preparers can e-file returns for the two previous tax years.
Mail to the correct address. The correct mailing address for your prior-year return can differ based on the form and the state you live in. The IRS website provides a list of addresses for mailing federal tax forms.
Request copies of previous returns. If you need a copy of a return you already filed, the IRS provides transcripts for free or certified copies of the return for a fee. You can request a transcript online, by phone, or by using Form 4506-T. You must use Form 4506 for a certified copy of the actual return.

Helpful Links:

Free tax return preparation for qualifying taxpayers

Re: Filing returns for past years

xmasbaby0 — Fri, 19 Sep 2025 20:57:20 GMT

You are asking about using TurboTax desktop software for 2017. TurboTax no longer supports or provides updates or state software for 2017. You are unlikely to get accurate results even in the very unlikely event that you manage to use the software now. You are several years too late to get a refund for any year earlier than 2021----and for 2021 you forfeited your refund unless you had an extension. If you owe tax due for 2017 or any earlier year up to the current year, it is owed with late filing penalties and interest.

If you want to get caught up on filing returns for several past years, it might be better for you to seek local paid tax help.

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?