Haven't filed for 2021 or 2022 and did not file for an extension

[Shamroq17]

Due to some pretty extreme life stuff, my wife who normally files our taxes just didn't do it for the past two years. We didn't file for an extension or anything. We usually don't owe anything and get a refund but now that we're so overdue it's become even more stressful and anxiety inducing.

What are the consequences of filing this late? Should we just wait and do it all at once in 2023 at this point? 

[VolvoGirl]

No don't wait.  You have to file each year separately.  You can still file 2022 as normal online until Oct. 16, 2023.   if you are getting a refund there is no penalty for filing late.

Sorry it's too,late to start a 2021 online return or use the mobile app, either on Turbo Tax or the IRS. And too late to efile 2021

If you need to start 2021 you can buy the Desktop download here,

TurboTax 2021 Prior Year Tax Prep - File Past Years' Taxes

You will need a full Windows or Mac to install it on.

If you have a simple return and want to file for free you can fill out the forms by hand. 

Don’t forget your state.  And you will have to print and mail your returns.  So be sure to attach copies of your W2s and any 1099s that have withholding on them.  You have to mail federal and state in separate envelopes because they go to different places.  Get a tracking number from the post office when you mail them for proof of filing.

Then when you file for 2022 you need to enter 0 for the 2021 AGI since you are filing 2021 late.

[xmasbaby0]

No, you cannot do it "all at once"  for 2023.

Each tax year has to be filed separately using the forms for the specific tax year.  They cannot be combined in any way--do not even put them in the same envelope when you mail them.  Software for past years is available back to 2019.  Any earlier years can only be prepared on paper forms by hand--and those refunds have been forfeited now.

The current online program can only be used for a 2022 return--no other year.  And if you did not file a 2021 return you will have trouble e-filing 2022.  When it asks for your 2021 AGI try using zero.  If zero does not work then you have to print, sign and mail 2022

Online preparation and e-filing for 2019 and 2020 and 2021 is permanently closed.

To file a return for a prior tax year

 If you need to prepare a return for 2019, 2020 or 2021 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.

[ClarissaA]

If you don't have a balance due when you file the return, the consequences of filing late are rather minor.  Take a deep breath and let all the tax anxiety that you are carrying flow out when you let that breath back out.  

You have three years from the due date of the original return to file in order to claim a refund for the tax year.  If you don't file for the refund by that deadline, the IRS is no longer required to give you the money back.   In that situation, you are giving the government a gift of your refund.  If you have the tax documents gathered to file the returns, I would strongly suggest you work on getting the 2021 and 2022 returns filed.  

TurboTax Online will only allow you to prepare the current year's return.  In order to file the 2021 return you would need to download the appropriate TurboTax Desktop software (which can not be installed on a mobile device such as a phone or tablet - you will need access to a computer to use it.)  Turbo Tax Past Year's Products I included a link  for you to make it easy to find!    If you prepare the 2021 return first, you can use the information from your completed return to help set up your 2022 return to speed up the process.  

While filing the tax years in order is recommended, if you don't have any carryovers from a prior tax year to account for, then you could file the 2022 return first.  This could be beneficial as the IRS will accept e-filing for the tax year until October 16, 2023.   An e-filed return gets processed faster and generally means your refund will make it back to you a lot sooner.   

In any event, you should not include information from multiple tax years into one return.  If you opt to wait until January, you will still need to file three returns - one for each tax year.  

I hope this information helps (and maybe takes a bit of the stress away!)