Is there a way to change the tax year on my filing? meaning I filed for 2021 but it should have been 2020?

vanessaparks — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 06:32:28 GMT

When I filed it should have been for 2020, not 2021. How can I change that?

Re: Is there a way to change the tax year on my filing? meaning I filed for 2021 but it should have been 2020?

Anonymous_ — Tue, 11 Oct 2022 17:19:04 GMT

You cannot change the tax year.

Rather, you have to use a past year TurboTax product (which must be installed on a computer - online is not available).

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

Re: Is there a way to change the tax year on my filing? meaning I filed for 2021 but it should have been 2020?

xmasbaby0 — Tue, 11 Oct 2022 18:00:29 GMT

Uhoh.....did you actually file that tax return? If you did, and it was accepted then you have a big problem. The online software is only for 2021 returns. Online cannot be used for any other year. Each tax year has its own forms that follow the tax laws for the specific tax year. If you entered 2020 information into 2021 software the return is all wrong.

If it was somehow accepted, then you have to wait for it to be fully processed and then amend it to change all of the income information to 2021 information. Do not attempt to amend until the return has been fully processed. If the IRS rejects the e-file--rejoice--since it will be easier to fix the mistake by just changing the information and re-filing it.

Meanwhile, in order to correctly prepare and file a 2020 return:

Online preparation and e-filing for 2018 and 2019 and 2020 is permanently closed.

To file a return for a prior tax year

If you need to prepare a return for 2018, 2019 or 2020 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.

topic Is there a way to change the tax year on my filing? meaning I filed for 2021 but it should have been 2020? in After you file

Is there a way to change the tax year on my filing? meaning I filed for 2021 but it should have been 2020?

Re: Is there a way to change the tax year on my filing? meaning I filed for 2021 but it should have been 2020?

Re: Is there a way to change the tax year on my filing? meaning I filed for 2021 but it should have been 2020?