Can I start my 2020 tax return now

[VolvoGirl]

You mean a 2019 return we file in 2020?  Yes, you can start now.  You can either use the Online version or buy the Desktop CD/Download program.

[DoninGA]

Tax year 2020 cannot be filed until after January 1, 2021.

You can start your 2019 tax return now using TurboTax to be filed during 2020.

TurboTax 2019 online editions - https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/online/

TurboTax 2019 desktop CD/Download editions - https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/cd-download/

[Critter]

https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-opens-2019-tax-filing-season-for-individual-filers-on-jan-27

[yellowrock6026]

Can I start my 2020 tax return now?

[DoninGA]

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@yellowrock6026 wrote:

Can I start my 2020 tax return now?

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The TurboTax online editions for tax year 2020 should be available in early December.

The TurboTax desktop CD/Download editions for tax year 2020 are available for purchase on this website - https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/cd-download/

[NCperson]

yes, you can begin your 2020 tax return now by making a list of all the documents you expect to receive (W-2s, dividends/ interest, brokerage statements, etc.).  Suggest pulling out 2019 tax return and think about what has changed.  Once you've received the 2020 versions of these documents you can begin entering them into the 2020 tax return software.  The IRS will begin accepting completed tax returns in late January. 

[stavanger481]

I have started my tax return for 2020 but have not completed it.

[VolvoGirl]

@stavanger481  Hopefully you started 2020 before last October.   Online is only for 2021 now.

How to finish a return you started online. It's for 2020 too, just hasn't been updated yet.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/prior-year-return/help/how-do-i-finish-a-prior-year-return-that-i-...

Sorry it's too,late to start a 2020 online return or use the mobile app, either on Turbo Tax or the IRS.

To do a prior year return you have to buy the Desktop program here,

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

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

If you have a simple return and want to file for free you can fill out the forms by hand.  Here are some basic forms.....

Here is the 2020 1040 return

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040--2020.pdf

or if you want bigger type use 1040SR for Seniors,

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040s--2020.pdf

2020 1040 Instructions

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/i1040gi--2020.pdf

2020 EIC and Tax Tables

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/i1040tt--2020.pdf

Schedules 1-3

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040s1--2020.pdf

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040s2--2020.pdf

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040s3--2020.pdf

Don’t forget your state.  And you will have to print and mail your returns.  So be sure to attach copies of your W2s and any 1099s that have withholding on them.  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.

Then when you file for 2021 you need to enter 0 for the 2020 AGI since you are filing late.

[RobertB4444]

@stavanger481  You can log back in to your TurboTax account and finish it now.  Then you can start on 2021!

[VolvoGirl]

But you can not finish it online.   Online is now only for 2021.

[JonItela]

Can I complete my 2020 tax return that was rejected… how can I do this?

[EbonyA]

In general, to fix your rejected tax return, you would follow the steps listed here. However, please review the post from  VolvoGirl above as it relates to online filing for the 2020 tax period @JonItela.