How do I file an older tax return?

Demetrius9809 — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 07:08:04 GMT

Re: How do I file an older tax return?

xmasbaby0 — Wed, 16 Aug 2023 16:41:16 GMT

Define "older." Only a 2022 tax return can be e-filed. Returns for any earlier tax year can only be filed by mail. It is too late to receive a refund for any tax year earlier than 2020---earlier tax year refunds have been forfeited. If you owe tax from an earlier year the IRS still wants you to pay.

PAST YEAR RETURNS

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 2019. 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 2022 return--no other year. And if you did not file a 2021 return you will have trouble e-filing 2022. When it asks for your 2021 AGI try using zero. If zero does not work then you have to print, sign and mail 2022

TurboTax has software for 2019 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 2019---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?

Online preparation and e-filing for 2019 and 2020 and 2021 is permanently closed.

To file a return for a prior tax year

If you need to prepare a return for 2019, 2020 or 2021 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.

If you are getting a refund, there is not a penalty for filing past the deadline. If you owe taxes, the interest/penalties will be calculated by the IRS based on how much you owe and when they receive your return and payment. The IRS will bill you for this; it will not be calculated by TurboTax.

Re: How do I file an older tax return?

DoninGA — Wed, 16 Aug 2023 16:46:22 GMT

TurboTax supports prior year tax returns from 2019 thru 2021.

If you are filing a tax return for a refund only tax years 2020 and 2021 can be filed since the date to file a 2019 return for a refund has expired as of July 17, 2023.

To complete and file a prior year tax return using TurboTax you would need to purchase, download and install on a personal computer one of the desktop editions for year tax year required from this website - https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/past-years-products/

A prior year tax return can only be printed and mailed, it cannot be e-filed using TurboTax. Use a separate envelope for each tax year being mailed.

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How do I file an older tax return?

Re: How do I file an older tax return?

Re: How do I file an older tax return?