Help : I need to file several separate past tax returns how can I do this ? Is there still a free option ? 2016-2021

[Critter-3]

Only for 2021 ...

Only 2021 tax can be filed online when it becomes available late December.

2018 to 2020 can now only be completed using the CD/download software installed on a Mac or Windows computer. The return must be printed, signed and mailed.

2018-2020 software can be purchased here:
https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/past-years-products/

See this TurboTax help article:

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/prior-year-return/help/how-do-i-finish-a-prior-year-return-that-i-...

For 2016 & 2017 you will need to see a local tax pro  or  get the forms from the fed/state and fill them in manually. 

2016

Form 1040  https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040--2016.pdf

Form 1040 Instructions https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/i1040gi--2016.pdf

Form 1040A https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1040a.pdf

Form 1040AInstructions https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/i1040a--2016.pdf

Form1040EZ https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/i1040gi--2016.pdf

 Form 1040EZ Instructions  https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/i1040ez.pdf

2017

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/i1040gi--2017.pdfhttps://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040--2017.pdf

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040a--2017.pdf

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/i1040a--2017.pdf

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040ez--2017.pdf

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/i1040ez--2017.pdf

https://www.irs.gov/filing/where-to-file-paper-tax-returns-with-or-without-a-payment

You can seek state forms from your state's tax site:

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

[Carl]

Take note that a prior year tax return can not be e-filed. The IRS says so. You'll have to print, sign and mail each individual return.

Additionally, you can not use TurboTax for tax years 2017 and older, as TurboTax only supports their software for the current tax filing year and 3 years back. If you also need to file a state return, then you will not be able to download the state module for 2017 or older. I would highly advise you seek local professional help to catch up all your tax returns - especially if your state taxes personal income.

For more information see https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/using-turbotax/help/how-do-i-prepare-a-prior-year-tax-return/00/25...

[Mike9241]

refunds for 2016 and 2017 are forfeit because they were not filed within 3 years of their due date. 2018 refund would be forfeit if you did not file an extension.  if you owe for any of these years the IRS can come after you at any time

[Opus 17]

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@Mike9241 wrote:

refunds for 2016 and 2017 are forfeit because they were not filed within 3 years of their due date. 2018 refund would be forfeit if you did not file an extension.  if you owe for any of these years the IRS can come after you at any time

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Even if you can't get a refund, it's a good idea to file your past-due returns.  The IRS can audit you for 3 years from the date you file, but if you never file, the IRS can audit you for those years forever.  So even though most people never get audited, it's usually a good idea to file to get everything down on paper officially.

You may be able to find a tax preparer with older software.  Depending on the complexity of your return, you may be able to file by yourself on paper, it's not as hard as people assume, at least for most common tax situations. 

[rjs]

There is no free filing for past years, unless you do it yourself on paper forms.

If you try to do it yourself on the forms, the calculation of the tax can get complicated, even on an otherwise simple tax return. Be sure to carefully read the instructions for calculating the tax in the IRS instructions for Form 1040.