Can I still get a refund if I do my 2020 & 2021 taxes?

[roundhouse007]

And I understand Turbotax free online edition is no longer an option.

What do you recommend?

[Critter-3 · Accepted solution]

You are too late to use online TurboTax for a 2021 tax return.   The only way to use TurboTax now for 2021 is to purchase the CD/download and use it on a full PC or Mac.   You cannot use it on a mobile device of any sort.  And the return cannot be e-filed; it can only be filed by mail now.   You have to print it, sign it in ink and mail it in.

Or you might still be able to use the software on the IRS Free File site.

Use this IRS site for other ways to file for free.  There are 8  free software versions available from the IRS Free File site

https://apps.irs.gov/app/freeFile/

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

Here is the IRS 2021 Form 1040
https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040--2021.pdf

or if you want bigger type use 1040SR for Seniors,
https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040s--2021.pdf

And 2021 Instructions
https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/i1040gi--2021.pdf

2021 Tax and EIC Tables
https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/i1040tt--2021.pdf

Sch 1 : https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040s1--2021.pdf
Sch 2 : https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040s2--2021.pdf
Sch 3 : https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040s3--2021.pdf

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.

[roundhouse007]

Thank you for the detailed reply, this is very helpful.

Follow up question for general knowledge, after what time are refunds forfeited?

I've read that after a certain time frame that occurs. I assume I have time to receive the return for '20 & '21.

EDIT: It's a 3-year window. Thanks

[rjs]

Also mail each year in a separate envelope. So if you are filing state tax returns, you will be mailing four separate envelopes: 2020 federal, 2020 state, 2021 federal, and 2021 state.

Federal refunds are forfeited three years after the due date of the tax return. So, for example, your 2020 tax return was due April 15, 2021. In order to get the refund you have to file your 2020 tax return by April 15, 2024. Most states follow the same three-year rule, but some states might have a shorter or longer window.

Your tax return is the form you send to the government that shows your income and calculates your tax. The money that the government sends back to you is your refund. You don't receive your return, you receive your refund. The government receives your return when you file it.

[roundhouse007]

Great info, thanks for the clarification!