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New Member
posted Mar 22, 2020 4:39:14 AM

How do I file my 2018 Tax Return Now?

2 42 18263
1 Best answer
Level 15
Mar 22, 2020 4:43:06 AM

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

To file a return for a prior tax year

If you need to prepare a return for 2016, 2017, or 2018 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/

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

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.

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.

 

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1900990-how-do-i-file-a-prior-year-tax-return

24 Replies
New Member
Mar 22, 2020 4:40:32 AM

How do I get into Turbo Tax to file my 2018 Tax Return?

Level 15
Mar 22, 2020 4:43:06 AM

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

To file a return for a prior tax year

If you need to prepare a return for 2016, 2017, or 2018 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/

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

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.

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.

 

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1900990-how-do-i-file-a-prior-year-tax-return

Not applicable
Mar 28, 2020 12:58:44 PM

I printed out my Turbo Tax return from 2018; all 130 plus pages of it. 🙂

What EXACT documents do I need to send in to the IRS when filing this return; and does the turbo tax print out have everything I need? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Expert Alumni
Mar 28, 2020 5:23:23 PM

You need to include all the forms you received that have withholding. This includes W2s, 1099-Rs, 1099-DIVs and so on. 

 

You should staple the forms you are sending with the return to the front of the return. You will need to remember to sign and date the tax return.

 

If you entered in totals for your 1099-B, rather than the individual transactions, and there are unreported transactions, you will need to include a copy of your 1099-B. If you do need to send you 1099-B, you can place it in the back of the return. 

 

Be sure to separate the IRS return from any state returns.

 

There should be a cover sheet for each return that explains how and where to send it and what to include.

 

 

New Member
Apr 14, 2020 5:42:59 AM

how do I file my 2018 

 

Level 15
Apr 14, 2020 5:57:57 AM

@r1rosemary

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

To file a return for a prior tax year

If you need to prepare a return for 2016, 2017, or 2018 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/

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

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.

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.

 

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1900990-how-do-i-file-a-prior-year-tax-return

New Member
Apr 15, 2020 4:21:01 PM

I have just spent $79 for nothing; I was under the impression that retrieval of 2018 tax rtrn form would be available, what a waste of money!

Level 15
Apr 15, 2020 4:25:39 PM

What are you trying to get?  Did you start a 2018 return last year online?

 

How to finish a prior year online return

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/prior-year-return/help/how-do-i-finish-a-prior-year-return-that-i-started-in-turbotax-online/00/26322

New Member
Apr 15, 2020 4:37:12 PM

No, I filed an extension online ... now, I'd like to file 2018.

Level 15
Apr 15, 2020 4:39:34 PM

What was the $79 for?  Did you buy the 2018 program download?  You need to install it and fill out your return on your computer.  Then it has to be mailed in.

Level 15
Apr 15, 2020 4:42:30 PM
New Member
Apr 16, 2020 5:13:57 AM

how to file 2018 tax; i have two states w2

Level 15
Apr 16, 2020 5:43:28 AM

@paverypavery

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

To file a return for a prior tax year

If you need to prepare a return for 2016, 2017, or 2018 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/

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

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.

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.

 

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1900990-how-do-i-file-a-prior-year-tax-return

New Member
Apr 16, 2020 1:34:11 PM

My 2018 is in your system but states it wasn't filed for 2018.

Level 15
Apr 16, 2020 1:54:22 PM

So you prepared it but did not file it?

 

If you have any changes/corrections at all to make to your 2018 return, you now have to complete it using desktop software, which you must download to a full PC or Mac  (not to a mobile device).Then you need to print, sign and mail it.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/2559403-how-do-i-finish-a-prior-year-return-that-i-started-in-turbotax-online

If you already paid for your online software you can ask customer support for a download of the desktop software.

They are available from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific time Monday-Friday.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1899263-what-is-the-turbotax-phone-number

 

 

 

If you are getting a refund, there is no penalty for filing late.  If you owe tax due, then file and pay the amount due as shown on the Form 1040, but expect a bill later from the IRS for the penalty and interest you will owe.  Only the IRS will calculate this—TurboTax will not calculate it.

New Member
Apr 19, 2020 1:35:13 PM

I need to file my 2018 taxes can I do that now on turbo tax?

Level 15
Apr 19, 2020 1:42:12 PM

Sorry, Online for 2018 and prior is closed now so you can not start a new 2018 return or finish one. Online is only for 2019. Oct 15, 2019 was the last day to efile.  2018 is now the prior year.

How to finish a prior year online return
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/prior-year-return/help/how-do-i-finish-a-prior-year-return-that-i-started-in-turbotax-online/00/26322

You can only buy the download for prior years. You have to buy a separate program for each year. They only sell the last 3 years. You need a full Windows or Mac computer to install it on. Buy the download here
https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/past-years-products/

You have to print and mail prior year returns. 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 received the return. Don’t forget state.

Important! Mail Federal and State in separate envelopes and mail each year in separate envelopes.

If you are getting a refund, there is not a penalty for filing past the deadline. You have 3 years to file for a refund. 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.

How to file a prior year
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/using-turbotax/help/how-do-i-prepare-a-prior-year-tax-return/00/25984


Or If you have a simple return You can fill out the blank forms for free.
Here is the IRS 2018 Form 1040
https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040--2018.pdf

And 2018 Instructions https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/i1040gi--2018.pdf
2018 Tax and EIC Tables https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/i1040tt--2018.pdf

IRS 2018 Schedules 1 thru 6 (only if needed)
Sch 1 : https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040s1--2018.pdf
Sch 2 : https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040s2--2018.pdf
Sch 3 : https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040s3--2018.pdf
Sch 4 : https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040s4--2018.pdf
Sch 5 : https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040s5--2018.pdf
Sch 6 : https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040s6--2018.pdf

Level 2
Apr 20, 2020 2:23:51 PM

You can do it for free on the IRS webpage.

New Member
Apr 22, 2020 4:22:02 PM

Hello,

 

I did my 2018 taxes but did not submit it last year.  I tried to reopen it to submit and could not.  I purchased a downloadable version but I can not access it.  Please advise.  Thanks.

Level 15
Apr 22, 2020 4:25:24 PM

You can't access the program or your 2018 return?  Did you download and install the 2018 program?  Did you download your tax return as a .tax2018 File?

 

After you get the program installed the first thing to do before you open your tax return .tax file is to update the program and install any state programs you had. Then open your file. So you first might need to start a fake return to be able to download the state program (go to FILE - NEW).

 

 

New Member
Apr 27, 2020 3:00:01 PM

neen to file my 2018 taxes

Level 15
Apr 27, 2020 3:00:31 PM


@Sydelle60 wrote:

neen to file my 2018 taxes


To complete a 2018 tax return using TurboTax you will need to purchase, download and install on a personal computer one of the 2018 desktop editions from this website - https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/past-years-products/

 

A 2018 tax return can only be printed and mailed, it cannot be e-filed.

Returning Member
Apr 30, 2020 10:22:54 AM

I want to redo my 2018 taxes. I know I need to go to returns and documents but I can't find it anywhere. Help PLEASE?

Level 15
Apr 30, 2020 10:25:00 AM

Do you need to do an Amended return?

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/amending/help/how-do-i-amend-a-return-in-turbotax/00/27579 

 

You can't find your account?  That's common to end up with multiple accounts. First LOG OUT of whatever TurboTax account you're logged into right now. Then use this TurboTax account recovery website to get a list of user ID's for an email address. Run the tool against any email addresses you may have used
https://myturbotax.intuit.com/account-recovery/

If you used the Desktop CD/Download program then the only copy is on your computer and not saved or stored online.