past due filing

[Covertpyro]

Im in AZ  and didnt file my taxes last year, if I buy the software for the correct year and use it to fill out the forms does it calculate the penalty I will have to pay? If not how do I figure out the correct amount?

[xmasbaby0]

The current online program can only be used for a 2020 return--no other year.  And if you did not file a 2019 return you will have trouble e-filing 2020.  When it asks for your 2019 AGI try using zero.  If zero does not work then you have to print, sign and mail 2020.

Online preparation and e-filing for 2017, 2018 and 2019 is permanently closed.

To file a return for a prior tax year

 If you need to prepare a return for 2017, 2018, or 2019 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.

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.

[Covertpyro]

The IRS will calculate my penalties for state tax? I already filed 2020 and it was fine.

[xmasbaby0]

Oh----no.   The IRS will not calculate state tax at all.   The IRS will not even see your state return.   Do you mean you only want to file a 2019 state return?   If you did not use TurboTax to prepare your 2019 federal return you will not be able to use TurboTax for just a state return.   I misunderstood and thought you meant you need to file federal and state for 2019.   Information flows from the federal return to the state return in this software so you cannot prepare a stand alone state return.

You might need to just get the 2019 forms from your state and prepare them by hand.  

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/state-taxes/help/how-do-i-contact-my-state-department-of-revenue/0...

[Covertpyro]

So will the state calculate the penalty and bill me or do I need to figure it out manually?

[xmasbaby0]

Let the state figure it out----it will depend on how much you owe and when they receive the payment for the tax due that is shown on the return.   Pay that amount when you mail the return and wait for them to send you a notice for whatever interest you owe for being late.

[Mike9241]

you'll only have a penalty if you owe.  don't try to figure it yourself. the IRS will send you a bill if you owe.