Can I wait until 2020 to file 2018 taxes?

[TiminNJ]

Can I still file my 2018 tax via efile or does it need to be physically sent in?   As I understand things, filing a 2018 tax return is a requirement of the new stimulus package.  Thanks 

[xmasbaby0]

@TiminNJ Actually  no one knows all the requirements to receive a stimulus check since it is still being debated in Congress.   Right now it is still in the Senate.  The House of Representatives is not even in Washington DC yet to vote on it.   The rumors abound among the people awaiting checks, though.. ...

But about filing 2018:

Online preparation and e-filing for 2018 is permanently closed.

To file a return for a prior tax year

If you need to prepare a return for 2016, 2017, or 2018 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/

Remember to prepare your state return as well—if you live in a state that has a state income tax.

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.

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.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1900990-how-do-i-file-a-prior-year-tax-return

[TiminNJ]

Thank you 

[Nicolemw81]

Do I need to file my 2018 & 2019 tax return to get the stimulus check? I havent files yet for those yrs. 

[CatinaT1]

Non-filers: Haven't filed a tax return for a previous year? Take steps now.

The IRS encourages anyone with a tax filing obligation who hasn't filed a tax return for 2018 or a previous year to act now. – Pending legislation includes certain potential credits and rebates for those who have filed a return for 2018 and/or 2019. Those without 2018 tax filings on record could potentially affect mailings of stimulus checks. And more than 1 million people who haven't filed tax returns for Tax Year 2016 and are owed a refund still face an April 15, 2020, deadline to file their return. This deadline hasn't been extended. Current law requires the 2016 return to be filed by April 15, 2020.

Many non-filers should consider contacting a tax professional to consider various available options since the time to receive such refunds is limited by statute. Once delinquent returns have been filed, most taxpayers have the opportunity to resolve any outstanding liabilities by entering into an Installment Agreement or an Offer in Compromise with the IRS to obtain a "Fresh Start." See IRS.gov for further information.

Source:  https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-operations-during-covid-19-mission-critical-functions-continue

[xmasbaby0]

It would be a pretty good idea to get that accomplished.  Only a 2019 return can be done on the online program.   The only tax return that can be e-filed is 2019.  Earlier years have to be printed, signed and mailed.

Online preparation and e-filing for 2018 is permanently closed.

To file a return for a prior tax year

If you need to prepare a return for 2016, 2017, or 2018 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/

Remember to prepare your state return as well—if you live in a state that has a state income tax.

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.

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.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1900990-how-do-i-file-a-prior-year-tax-return

[Talley922]

How so I file 2018 forms in Turbo Tax.  

[xmasbaby0]

@Talley922

Online preparation and e-filing for 2018 is permanently closed.

To file a return for a prior tax year

If you need to prepare a return for 2016, 2017, or 2018 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/

Remember to prepare your state return as well—if you live in a state that has a state income tax.

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.

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.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1900990-how-do-i-file-a-prior-year-tax-return

[Sonic98]

I have a question to add to the discussion.  I need to file for 2017 and 2018. Actually I've already used the software to create my previous year returns, and I have them in PDF format.  Does anyone recommend any Services that will send it certified mail for you. For what I can tell USPS has no online service.  I believe their site suggests click2mail, but their site seems overly complicated.  I really don't understand why companies like Turbotax only offer to mail it from a location.  Why not just save your customer's the hassle and offer to mail it for an additional fee

We are quarantining after all

[BillM223]

"I really don't understand why companies like Turbotax only offer to mail it from a location. "

TurboTax does not offer to mail your returns.

The IRS wants you to e-file returns (of course, this works only for the current year). TurboTax keeps prices down by e-filing your return as often as possible.

If TurboTax were to have a print and mail facility, it would have to increase prices.

Besides, as you may now know, prior year returns on done with the CD/download software that is installed on your computer. TurboTax does not have a copy of your return in that case, so could not print and mail it anyway.

"For what I can tell USPS has no online service. " - you mean that USPS does not deliver email? No, it does not.

The special arrangement that the USPS has is the "mailbox rule", that is, when you drop your printed tax return (in a stamped envelope, of course) into a mailbox, it is considered delivered. You may - but or not required to - use a USPS service like certified mail or proof of mailing to show that the USPS in fact got the tax return to deliver.

The IRS has also certified a few delivery services to deliver tax returns with the same sort of rule - once it is accepted by the delivery company, it is considered "mailed". Please see this IRS website.

[Sonic98]

My point is a lot of these tax services if you go into a location they will still mail your previous year tax return for you.  I was more so talking about competitors who have actual offices or tax places that use Turbotax as their software package.  I was under the impression that were commercial clients who were authorized to do taxes using Turbotax. Maybe I'm  incorrect 

But I'm sure people would be willing to pay more for the option of not mailing it themselves. But this isn't really tax company's fault. The U.S needs to go paperless and give you the option to securely upload to the IRS if you miss the efile deadline.  Of course you would still have to likely mail state returns

[Irene2805]

TurboTax is for personal use and is NOT used commercially.

Perhaps your local post office has a self-service machine in the lobby you can use after hours to send your previous years' returns.

You can also use UPS.  You can print a label from the UPS website, attach it to your envelope, and just drop it in a UPS box.  It's not certified, but you do have a tracking number.

@Sonic98

[Edited | 3/31/2020 |  7:08am PDT]

[Extreme80]

Can I file my 2018 taxes now so I can get my stimulus money 

[DoninGA]

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@Extreme80  wrote:

Can I file my 2018 taxes now so I can get my stimulus money 

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To complete and file a 2018 tax return using TurboTax you would need to purchase, download and install on a personal computer one of the 2018 desktop editions from this website - https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/past-years-products/

A 2018 tax return can only be printed and mailed, it cannot be e-filed.

[DavidD66]

If you have not filed your 2018 tax returns, you can do so now.  You will not be able to e-file, you have to print and mail your return.  You will have to purchase a software CD/Download by going to:  Past Year products