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Level 2
September 17, 2025
Question

Filing returns for past years

  • September 17, 2025
  • 1 reply
  • 30 views

Hi,
Could someone please share the details of the process of filing returns for past years?
- Can this be done online using Turbotax?
- Any expert help over phone/live meeting or local expert from Turbotax for these past years?
Thanks

1 reply

Level 15
September 17, 2025

 

 

 

Sorry--live "expert" help is only available for current year --2024-- tax returns.  The live experts do not help with past year returns.   If you need that sort of help, seek local paid help.

 

 

You cannot change the tax year.   The current online program is for 2024 only.   Only a 2024 return can be prepared online and only a 2024 return can be e-filed.

 

Online preparation and e-filing for 2021, 2022, and  2023 is permanently closed.

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.

 

To file a return for a prior tax year

 If you need to prepare a return for 2021, 2022, or 2023  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/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/state-taxes/contact-state-department-revenue/L9qVToi02_US_en_US?uid=m6e06um0

 

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 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.

**Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to offer the most correct information possible. The poster disclaims any legal responsibility for the accuracy of the information that is contained in this post.**
Level 2
September 17, 2025

Thanks. How about filing returns prior to year 2020.
This link only shows options for 2021 onwards -
https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/[product key removed]cts/

Also please share thoughts on any expert help over phone/live meeting or local expert from Turbotax for these past years?

Level 15
September 17, 2025

@user17581283296 TurboTax no longer provides software for any year earlier than 2021.   There might be other tax software companies that will still sell you software for 2020 or earlier.  Those refunds have been forfeited.   If you owe tax due, it is owed with late filing penalties and interest, for which the IRS will bill you.

 

Or...seek local paid tax help with past year returns.   You can also use paper forms  from the IRS to prepare by hand to mail in.

 

TurboTax does not provide expert help for past year returns.  The "Live" experts only help with current year returns---for 2024.

 

 

 

**Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to offer the most correct information possible. The poster disclaims any legal responsibility for the accuracy of the information that is contained in this post.**