American Citizen living and working in Canada

[Jean-Marc Bertrand]

I am an American citizen who has lived in Canada for 15 years continuously. I am trying to do several years worth of US tax returns for myself and my wife. My income over the past couple of years includes T4, self employed/family business(not incorporated), AirBnB rental income, income from me and my wife's Canadian incorporated business.

Can I use TurboTax for this? I use a Canadian accountant for my Canadian tax returns so I don't need Turbo Tax for that. Just the American side. Please tell me which product I am supposed to use for 2017 through 2022 tax returns.

I am not quite familiar with what I am allowed to use on my US taxes. Am I allowed to use BOTH the Foreign Income Exclusion deduction and the Foreign Tax credits OR am I supposed to choose one or the other? I intend to file a Joint return.

[NCperson]

@Jean-Marc Bertrand do note that when you file these back tax returns, the deadline to receive a refund for the 2017-2019 tax years has passed, so best to still file (esp. if you have depreciation, loss carry forwards, etc.) but no refund will be issued,

if you owe from those years, you owe!

[xmasbaby0]

And....software for tax years earlier than 2019 is no longer available nor is it supported, even if you can find it on eBay, etc.   Only the desktop software for 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022 is still available for purchase, and 2019 will soon become unavailable.   Any refunds for 2019 or earlier have been forfeited; as @NCperson mentioned, if you owe tax due, you still have to pay---with penalties and interest.

Only a 2022 return can be prepared using the online software, and only a 2022 return can be e-filed.  Earlier years must be prepared using the CD/download on a full PC or Mac, and must be sent in by mail.

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/0... 

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.

[Jean-Marc Bertrand]

I am allowed to carry loses forward though?

[NCperson]

@Jean-Marc Bertrand yes, which is why I suggested filing the return so things like the loss carryforward are correctly documents; if the end result is a refund, then it won't be paid out to you, that is all that changes. 

you could also find a tax preparer that would prepare and file these older tax returns. 

[xmasbaby0]

@Jean-Marc Bertrand 

" I intend to file a Joint return."

You have not mentioned whether your spouse is also an U.S. citizen, or if your spouse has an ITIN or a SSN.   And you say that you have lived in Canada for fifteen years...so we are left wondering if you have been filing U.S. tax returns during any of those fifteen years.   

It seems like you have enough issues that it would be best for you to seek paid professional tax help to prepare your U.S. returns and get up to date on filing.