Filing multiple years

[AHammondsLarson]

Hey there,

I E-filed 4yrs of returns at once in 2019 ( I filed 2014-2018) and it changed my AGI significantly. The IRS has accepted it but it shows that I only filed for 2018 and that my income was 100,000 which is what all of my returns added up to. Now I have a balance with the IRS for 17k in money owed for my 2018 tax return. When I check my other years 2014-2017 it shows nothing has been filed. Should I assume the IRS knows I filed more than one year at once and that the balance owed is reflecting what I would owe if I did each one separately. Should I refile so that it shows a return was filed for each year. Because when I check the IRS website it only shows I filed in 2018. HELP MEEEE 

[xmasbaby0]

No----Sorry, but you really messed up.   Each tax year is supposed to be filed separately.   You cannot combine tax years on the same return.   Each tax year has to be prepared and filed on the forms for the specific tax year.  Tax laws change from year to year---it is important to use the right forms.  And there were BIG tax law changes from the tax years before 2018 to 2018 returns.

 So this was all on a 2018 return that you filed in 2019?   You will need to file an amended return for 2018----and get it done before April 15, 2022 or you will have even more trouble.  

You have to remove all the income that you entered on that return except for income you actually received in 2018.   You cannot leave income from 2014, 2015, 2016 or 2017 on that return.

And.....you are too late to receive income tax refunds for any tax years earlier than 2018----but if you owe tax for those years you still have to pay with penalties and interest.

You might want to seek help from a paid tax pro to sort this out.   This does not sound like a good do-it-yourself project.

[AHammondsLarson]

Yes, so the year that needs to be amended is 2018. I am not interested in a return I just want the balance fixed more than anything!. I thank you for your response because I was totally lost. I scheduled a visit with someone at H&R Block. I hope they can help me out! I really was trying to do well and file all of my old taxes and get on track. I really screwed myself on this one. I just thought the IRS accepted it so maybe they understand what I was trying to do lol. Glad I know that what I did was wrong because that balance is NOT pretty.

[xmasbaby0]

@AHammondsLarson And going forward----the current online TurboTax program is ONLY for 2021 returns--no other year.   

If you still need to file returns for 2019 or 2020:

Online preparation and e-filing for 2018 and 2019 and 2020 is permanently closed.

To file a return for a prior tax year

 If you need to prepare a return for 2018, 2019 or 2020 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/

You may also want to explore purchasing the software from various retailers such as Amazon, Costco, Best Buy, Walmart, Sam’s, etc.

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

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/state-taxes/help/how-do-i-contact-my-state-department-of-revenue/0... 

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.

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.