E-Filing 2021 Tax Return Now in July 2023

[ebeard56]

Is there any way to e-file 2021 taxes now, in July 2023? I am reading conflicting information. Apparently, you cannot do this with TurboTax, which I am using, but is there any other way to do this electronically?

[guywong]

To my knowledge, TubrboTax doesn' support e-filing of prior years' tax returns.  But you can print it out on paper and submit them in paper form.  The only downside is if you have a refund, you will have to wait longer to get it back.

If the refund is big enough, consider hiring a tax professional to complete your tax return and e-file it.  If you have already completed your tax return in TurboTax, some professional software can import your TT data into their professional tax software.  That may save you some tax prep fee.  Talk to the tax pro if s/he can import your TT file and ask for a quote.  Good luck!

[xmasbaby0]

A 2021 tax return prepared using TurboTax cannot be e-filed.   It must be filed by mail.   Only some paid tax professionals can e-file a 2021 tax return.   If you are desperate to e-file it then seek a local paid tax pro.

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.

Federal and state returns must be in separate envelopes and they are mailed to different addresses.  Read the mailing instructions that print with your tax return carefully so you mail them to the right addresses.

[taxlady28]

You can take it to a professional tax preparer who uses as software that allows them to efile 2021.

[Carl]

To my knowledge, only a tax professional using a professional version of tax prep software can e-file a prior year tax return. Since TurboTax is a personal version of tax prep software, you can not use it to e-file a prior year tax return.

[Joe_mastro]

This is disappointing considering the IRS accepts e-filing for the current year and the previous 2 years. Is anyone aware of a way to convert the TT file for electronic filing?

[xmasbaby0]

@Joe_mastro 

Only certain paid tax pros who have professional tax software can still e-file past year returns. You cannot e-file a past year return that you prepared yourself using TurboTax.  Your past year return must be printed, signed and dated in ink, and then you need to mail it in.  Use a mailing service like certified mail so you will know the IRS received it, since you will have a long wait for it to be processed.