2016 return mailed 10-15-20

[alpha-123]

Ready to file 2018 return.  I remember seeing previously a line at the bottom of the 1040 where we can claim previous returns' refunds.  Can't seem to find it now.  Does anyone know where this line is, or where I can enter that information on the 2018 return?

[xmasbaby0]

Not sure what you think you saw, but there is no line on a tax return to claim a refund for a previous tax year.   Sorry.   Any refund from a tax year earlier than 2018 has been forfeited and you cannot receive it.   And you need to file 2018 by April 15, 2022 or that refund will be forfeited.

A 2018 return can only be filed by mail--it cannot be e-filed.

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.

[VolvoGirl]

Huh?  No there isn't.   You can only apply the current refund to next year.   Oh did you apply a previous refund to 2018?  

Go to

Federal

Deductions and Credits

Then scroll way down to Estimates and Other Taxes Paid

Other Income Taxes - Click the Start or Revisit

Next page scroll down to Refund Applied to 2018

Click Start or Update by the tax you applied

[Critter-3]

If you filed the the 2016 in 2020 and asked for the refund to be applied to the 2017 return (not 2018... you cannot skip a year) you will probably be disappointed because it is too late to file a 2017 return for a refund ... that refund is lost.