topic My child qualifys for the CTC so im wondering how do i go back and file a 2019 return?? in Deductions & credits

My child qualifys for the CTC so im wondering how do i go back and file a 2019 return??

maygeneverett — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 05:02:33 GMT

Re: My child qualifys for the CTC so im wondering how do i go back and file a 2019 return??

Critter-3 — Wed, 29 Jun 2022 12:36:08 GMT

Did you ever file the 2019 return ? Did you list this child on the 2019 return ? If you did the CTC would have been automatically added to the return so check the return for the credit.

If you did not get the $2000 credit as the child born in 2019? Did you have any earned income that year ?

Re: My child qualifys for the CTC so im wondering how do i go back and file a 2019 return??

xmasbaby0 — Wed, 29 Jun 2022 13:10:54 GMT

If you did not file a 2019 tax return at all, and need to file, you will need to use the downloaded software on a full PC or Mac. You cannot use the online program for a 2019 tax return.

Do understand that unless you had income earned from working in 2019 you will not receive anything for the child tax credit. For a 2019 return, the amount of CTC you can get will be based on how much income you earned from working; and you can only get the CTC for a child who was younger than 17 in 2019.

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.

Re: My child qualifys for the CTC so im wondering how do i go back and file a 2019 return??

NCperson — Wed, 29 Jun 2022 13:29:19 GMT

@maygeneverett - a few questions (just posed a little different than the others)

1) did you file a 2019 tax return already? did you list this child on that return. If yes, the CTC would have been automatically calculated and there is nothing more to do.

2) if you did NOT file a 2019 tax return. Did you work that year? In order to qualify for the child tax credit in 2019, you would have had to have earned income exceeding $2500 (this wasn't true in 2021 which was a unique year causes by a one year tax change)

3) what prompted you to think there is CTC money from 2019 available? it may be but this has become a confusing topic and wanted to be sure you got the right information.