Can you file tax years out of order? I'm behind on filing my taxes and I don't know if I can get it all done before the april 18th deadline.

[steve192]

I'm behind a couple of years working on 2020 and 2021 right now. My 2022 tax situation wasn't as complicated and the deadline is fast approaching so I'm wondering if it makes the most sense to go ahead and file 2022 first and then go back and work on the other years so not to miss the deadline and be behind another year. Please no judgement this situation has been so hard doing my best over here. Thanks for your help

[rjs]

You can file 2022 first, then go back and file 2020 and 2021 later. But it's possible, especially if your 2020 and 2021 situations were more complicated, that something in your 2020 or 2021 tax return will affect your 2022 tax return. So it's safer to do them in order. You can get an extension to October 16, 2023 to file your 2022 tax return. See "How do I file an extension?"

[KrisD15 · Accepted solution]

Yes, you can file 2022 return first. 

The only issue would be if you have any carry-over losses or credit from 2020 and 2021. 

Even if there are carry-forwards, you could always amend the 2022 return later. 

So my advise is yes, file the 2022 return and get that out of the way. 

(of course, penalty and interest is adding up on the other two returns, so don't delay more than needed) 

[steve192]

Thank you for taking the time to answer my question I really appreciate it.