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New Member
posted Jun 7, 2019 3:06:11 PM

Can I file two years of tax returns at the same time?

0 22 69479
22 Replies
New Member
Jun 7, 2019 3:06:13 PM

Yes, you can. You will need to file the income from each year, separately. A tax return for each year of income that you need to report. 

You can read more about filing back taxes at the following TurboTax link:

https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tools/tax-tips/IRS-Tax-Return/How-Do-I-File-Back-Tax-Returns-/INF14505.html

Level 1
Apr 18, 2020 10:13:30 PM

Can I file them together online? If not, what should I do?

New Member
Oct 15, 2021 6:08:57 PM

Can I file 2 tax returns at one time 

Level 15
Oct 15, 2021 6:16:24 PM

NO!!!!!!!!

 

Each tax year has to be filed separately using the forms for the specific tax year.  They cannot be combined in any way--do not even put them in the same envelope when you mail them.  Software for past years is available back to 2017.  Any earlier years can only be prepared on paper forms by hand--and those refunds have been forfeited now.

 

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.

 

 

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.

 

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.

 

Refunds for tax years 2016 or earlier have been forfeited and will not be paid to you even if shown on the tax return form.  But if you owe tax due, you will still have to pay, and you will be billed later for the interest and penalties owed.

 

Since you are filing a late 2019 return, the IRS will not have a 2019 AGI in the system for you.  When the 2020 software asks for your 2019 AGI so that you can e-file 2020, use “zero.”  If you cannot e-file by using zero then you will have to print, sign and mail your 2020 return.

New Member
Jan 19, 2022 3:17:16 AM

I efiled 2020 w2s and 2021 w2s together on the same return. Is that ok? If not will the irs reject it or will they automatically take off the 2020 w2s 

Level 7
Jan 19, 2022 3:54:59 AM

You’ll likely get a letter from IRS regarding 2020 income on 2021 return. All you can do now is wait to see if IRS rejects its once they open on 1/24. It will likely be delayed for review to figure out where the 2020 income  came from. You will need to file a 2020 return and amend your 2021 return to remove 2020 income. 

Expert Alumni
Jan 19, 2022 5:51:15 AM

No.  You cannot combine W-2s from two different tax years.  Each must be filed for the tax year they were earned in.  The IRS will not automatically change your tax return for quite some time. And they would only correct the 2021 which could result in you having a balance due.

 

You must amend the 2021 tax return and file the original 2020 return.

New Member
Feb 19, 2022 9:50:49 AM

Unfortunately I was unaware that I could not file prior w2s with this year's w2s. I filed 1/21 and the IRS accepted my return on 1/24. I have received a letter stating they are reviewing my income and credits due to this mistake I made. I called and spoke to three different people in different departments, they all told me to NOT file a amend return right now because it will hold things up even more. So I guess I have to wait on them to send me another letter to do one?? I'm confused and very mad at myself for not looking into things before doing them. 

Intuit Alumni
Feb 19, 2022 10:18:28 AM

Yes you will need to wait on the IRS. They will contact you with any changes. Always remember the IRS will not contact you by phone, always by regular mail. 

Returning Member
Feb 24, 2022 8:51:49 PM

I filled my 2021 and 2020 tax return this year I received my 2021 tax refund today but my 2020 I haven't received is there something i should know about that or does it take longer to get.

thank you!

Level 15
Feb 24, 2022 8:56:37 PM

@Josegon11 Please explain what you did to file a 2020 return.   The current online software is only for 2021 returns.   The only way to correctly file a 2020 return is to use 2020 software and print, sign and mail the 2020 return.  Is that what you did?

Returning Member
Feb 24, 2022 9:07:01 PM

I went to where i normally go called liberty tax here in dallas they filled my 2021 and 2020 i just got my 2021 today but no my 2020

Level 15
Feb 24, 2022 9:10:42 PM

What?   Why are you asking us here in the TurboTax forum about a return you filed with Liberty Tax?  

 

You will not be able to track a 2020 return on the IRS site.   That site only shows information for 2021 returns.   Beyond that, we cannot tell you how long it will take the IRS to process your 2020 return.  Ask Liberty if they e-filed it or mailed it.

Returning Member
Feb 24, 2022 9:19:53 PM

I just wanted to see if i can get help on that and help to see when will i get it

Level 15
Feb 25, 2022 5:57:15 AM

@Josegon11 TurboTax cannot help you.   You have to wait patiently for the backlogged IRS to process your return.   If you want to call the IRS you can do that but do not get your hopes up that they will be able to tell you anything.

 

To call the IRS:IRS:  800-829-1040  hours 7 AM - 7 PM local time Mon-Fri

Listen to each menu before making the selection.

First choose your language. Press 1 for English.

Then do NOT choose the first choice re: "Refund", or it will send you to an automated phone line.

Instead, press 2 for "personal income tax".

Then press 1 for "form, tax history, or payment".  

Then press 3 "for all other questions."

Then press 2 "for all other questions."  It should then transfer you to an agent.

New Member
Mar 7, 2022 4:14:36 AM

Can I file two years of tax return

Employee Tax Expert
Mar 7, 2022 5:01:41 AM

Yes. You can file two years of tax returns, however, they must be completed separately. For example, you would have to input your 2020 tax forms in your 2020 tax return and your 2021 tax forms in your 2021 tax return. 

 

In addition, to prepare a new prior-year return, you'll need to purchase and download that year's TurboTax software for PC or Mac, as TurboTax Online and the mobile app are only available for the current tax year.

 

@MsnDld2038

New Member
Apr 22, 2022 12:07:19 PM

did you file them together or separate ?

Level 15
Apr 22, 2022 12:10:04 PM


@deiveyon15 wrote:

did you file them together or separate ?


Each year's tax return must be on the set of forms for that year (2021, 2020, 2019, etc.). You should mail them in separate envelopes, and it would be a good idea to use some type of mailing service that has tracking and proof of delivery, since the IRS is backlogged these days.

 

 

Level 15
Apr 22, 2022 12:10:16 PM

You have to do each year separately and mail them in separate envelopes.   You can only efile the current year 2021.

 

You can buy the last 3 years of Turbo Tax here,

https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/past-years-products/

You will need a full Windows or Mac to install it on.

 

You will have to print and mail in prior year returns.  And if you are doing more than 1 year, send each year in a separate envelope. Sometimes the IRS will just staple all the sheets together and miss a second return.  Be sure to attach copies of your W2s and any 1099s that have withholding on them.  Don't forget state.  You have to mail federal and state in separate envelopes because they go to different places.  Get a tracking number from the post office when you mail them for proof of filing.

 

Or if you have a simple return you can get the blank forms from the IRS and fill them in by hand for free.  I have a list of some of the basic ones I can post direct links to.

 

 

New Member
Feb 23, 2023 4:06:04 AM

Did you ever get ur refund or what did you have to do ? I just did the same thing but didn’t know beforehand 

New Member
Feb 23, 2023 4:51:37 AM

i actually got my refund back but months later and it didn’t have anything to do with the two separate returns being filed together. i did my own and made one mistake on their