Can I wait until 2020 to file 2018 taxes?

[ChallengingDesigns]

By computer error the file didn't upload on TurboTax last August. I didn't realize it until I tried filing this year. TurboTax said it was too late and they couldn't take it online. How can I file it online. They aren't taking 2019 until 2018 is received and they aren't doing paper returns yet.

[VolvoGirl]

You have to print and mail 2018 now.  You can still efile 2019 before 2018. Since 2018 wasn't filed on time then enter 0 for the AGI to efile 2019 now.

What or who says they are not taking 2019 until 2018 is filed?

[dynamicdana]

Let me explain it this way. TurboTax is apparently a “consumer product”. That being said, they cannot e-file 2018 returns electronically. HOWEVER, I needed my 2018 sent electronically so PER THE IRS, I located an Authorized Licensed professional that e-filed my return! You can find a list of Authorized individuals on the IRS website. If you mail the return it could take 6-months or more to be processed. I was not taking that chance! Per the IRS, they accept 3-years prior tax returns electronically so long as it’s done via the above. Otherwise, you have to mail. Hopefully this post clarifies things as TurboTax states you must mail but MUST is not the proper wording in my opinion. I’m sure TurboTax states that so it’s customers don’t go elsewhere. I used TurboTaxes software, but paid a licensed professional to enter and submit electronically. Hope this helps! 

[Mpieron]

I am in the samr situation. Did you ever get an answer to this. Frustrating!

[Bannik99]

Anyone know how I can check the status of my 2018 return which was filed 6 weeks ago? I mailed it in since TT wouldn't allow me to e-file, and it was delivered. Thanks!

[VolvoGirl]

No way to check on prior year returns except by calling.  But they haven't even been opening the mail.  The mail is stacking up in trailers at the IRS.

See this IRS page for the latest information

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

[AnnieBHardy7]

• My name is (removed) I need to file my 2018 TAXES I filed in the month of March however unable to get any information
• Please help
•  

[dynamicdana]

e-mail me @ [email address removed]

[xmasbaby0]

@AnnieBHardy7 

" I need to file my 2018 TAXES I filed in the month of March "

That statement is confusing.  Which is it----do you still need to file, or did you file it already?

A 2018 return cannot be e-filed.   The only way to file a 2018 return is by printing, signing and mailing it.  And you must make sure you used 2018 software to prepare it.  The online software is ONLY for a 2019 return--it cannot be used for a 2018 return.  Did you use 2018 software?

[Misslilee]

I've already filed for my 2019 taxes and they were accepted, However I still haven't filed for my 2018 tax return. is there a way to do it online ? they owe me $400 

[VolvoGirl]

Sorry, Online for 2018 and prior is closed now so you can not start a new 2018 return or finish one. Online is only for 2019. Oct 15, 2019 was the last day to efile.  2018 is now the prior year.

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

You can only buy the download for prior years. You have to buy a separate program for each year. They only sell the last 3 years. You need a full Windows or Mac computer to install it on. Buy the download here
https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/past-years-products/

You have to print and mail prior year returns. 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 received the return. Don’t forget state.

Important! Mail Federal and State in separate envelopes and mail each year in separate envelopes.

If you are getting a refund, there is not a penalty for filing past the deadline. You have 3 years to file for a refund. 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.

How to file a prior year
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/using-turbotax/help/how-do-i-prepare-a-prior-year-tax-return/00/25...


Or If you have a simple return You can fill out the blank forms for free.
Here is the IRS 2018 Form 1040
https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040--2018.pdf

And 2018 Instructions https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/i1040gi--2018.pdf
2018 Tax and EIC Tables https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/i1040tt--2018.pdf

IRS 2018 Schedules 1 thru 6 (only if needed)
Sch 1 : https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040s1--2018.pdf
Sch 2 : https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040s2--2018.pdf
Sch 3 : https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040s3--2018.pdf
Sch 4 : https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040s4--2018.pdf
Sch 5 : https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040s5--2018.pdf
Sch 6 : https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040s6--2018.pdf

[DoninGA]

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@Misslilee wrote:

I've already filed for my 2019 taxes and they were accepted, However I still haven't filed for my 2018 tax return. is there a way to do it online ? they owe me $400 

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

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/

[Misslilee]

Omg! Thank you so much !!!!

you are very helpful.

cheers

[dynamicdana]

A certified tax preparer can e-file 2018. E-mail me @ [email address removed] for the person I hired to file my 2018 electronically. If you mail them it will take months! I recording my 2018 refund in 3-weeks! 

[dynamicdana]

Turbo Tax is removing my e-mail. You can e-file 2018 but only with a person Authorized to do so. I hired a woman on line and received my 2018 refund within 3-weeks. Mailing will cause months of delay!