2018 and 2019 California State and Federal Late Filings

[swimtinga]

My husband and I missed the 2018  and 2019 late filing deadline. 

We had a fire and the whole year went to "poof" due to relocation and  items in storage. 

I had completed the 2018 taxes and had filed for an extension for 2018 in Feb of 2018. We have the digital copy of our 2018 taxes from Turbo Tax and that I'm ready to file that as is (no further changes). Can I print them and send them in? I understand we need to sign them, but can we just sign them and send them in as is? Or do we need copies of our W2 as well? (We don't have these as these were lost in the fire.)

I understand we send the federal one to the : Department of the Treasury, International Revenue Service Center in Fresno, and the State form goes to the Franchise Tax Board in Sacramento, but do we have to include the W2s to both Agencies and do we need to send copies of our ID's or S.S. cards? 

It's my first time mailing all this in and we know there are going to be penalties, we just want to get it all situated and fixed and don't understand what to send. 

I know for 2019, from what I have read, we will have to be downloading the program and moving on that right after the 2018 is sent off. Does that have to be mailed in as well or can that be e-filed?

We usually stick to the e-file with Turbo Tax Deluxe, just because of this... any help is greatly appreciated! 

[ThomasM125]

You do need to mail both years tax returns in. You are probably OK not including the W-2 forms as the IRS has a record of them, but it may delay the processing of the tax returns. If you owe taxes it will be less of an issue, since you are not waiting for a refund.

I'm sorry for the fire, you may be able to get a deduction for a casualty loss because of it though. Here is some information on that:

https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc515

[VolvoGirl]

Sorry you have to mail 2019 too.  Mail each year in separate envelopes to each place.  So that's 4 envelopes.  You don't have to wait for 2018 to mail 2019.

How to file a prior year
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/using-turbotax/help/how-do-i-prepare-a-prior-year-tax-return/00/25...

You can only buy the download for prior years. You have to buy a separate program for each year. They only sell the last 3 years. You need a full Windows or Mac computer to install it on. Buy the download here
https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/past-years-products/

You have to print and mail prior year returns. 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 received the return. Don’t forget state.

Important! Mail Federal and State in separate envelopes and mail each year in separate envelopes.

If you are getting a refund, there is not a penalty for filing past the deadline. You have 3 years to file for a refund. 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.

If you want to file for free you can fill out the forms by hand. Here are some basic forms…..

Here is the IRS 2019 Form 1040
https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040--2019.pdf

or if you want bigger type use 1040SR for Seniors,
https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040s--2019.pdf

And 2019 Instructions https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/i1040gi--2019.pdf

2019 Tax and EIC Tables
https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/i1040tt--2019.pdf

Sch 1 : https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040s1--2019.pdf
Sch 2 : https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040s2--2019.pdf
Sch 3 : https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040s3--2019.pdf
Then when you do file 2020 enter 0 for the 2019 AGI since you are filing 2019 late.

[VolvoGirl]

Oh and check the CA return close.  You may need to attach a copy of federal with California.