How can I get back to the 2016 Turbotax file that was creating my tax return for 2016 but was never finished?

[jbbd6]

I paid for the 2016 file to do my taxes  but never sent it .  I am looking to get to the file that was creating the tax return and complete it.

[Critter-3]

You cannot ... TT no longer supports the 2016 program.

You will need to start from scratch with a program that is still supported,  find a local tax pro  or  get the paper forms from the IRS/STATE and fill them in manually. 

[xmasbaby0]

If you want the paper forms to prepare by hand and mail in:

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/f1040ez--2015.pdf

Form1040EZ Instructions  https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/i1040ez.pdf

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... 

Refunds for tax years 2016 or earlier have been forfeited and will not be paid to you even if shown on the tax return form.  But if you owe tax due, you will still have to pay, and you will be billed later for the interest and penalties owed.

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.

[xmasbaby0]

@jbbd6 And....what -- if anything--- have you done about preparing/filing the subsequent tax returns for 2017, 2018, 2019 or 2020?   If you did not file 2017, that refund has also been forfeited, but if you owe you still have to pay the tax due.  We can give you a link to 2017 forms if you want them.

You are not too late to get tax refunds for 2018, 2019 or 2020 if you have taxable income to enter on a tax return, or if you need to file a 2020 return to get the stimulus payments.

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.