How do I file my 2019 tax return with W-2's?

[paula4321-]

I filed with H&R Block and it was $250 for a $350 return.  I am not comfortable paying that much for W-2's and church donations.  Your advise is greatly appreciated. 🙂

[Critter-3]

The only way to file a 2019 return now is to mail in a paper return.

Sorry---you missed the October 15 deadline to start a 2019 return using online TurboTax.  You cannot use online now until it is time to start a new 2020 return.    And online will only be for a 2020 return--no earlier year.

To prepare and file a 2019 return:

Online preparation and e-filing for 2017, 2018 and 2019 is permanently closed.

To file a return for a prior tax year

If you need to prepare a return for 2017, 2018, or 2019 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.    

This link Where can I obtain authentic TurboTax software? has a list of authorized TurboTax resellers.

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.

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.

If you want to file for free you can fill out the forms by hand.  Here are some basic forms.....

Here is the 2019 1040 return

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1040.pdf

or if you want bigger type use 1040SR for Seniors,

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1040s.pdf

2019 Instructions https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/i1040gi.pdf

2019 EIC and Tax Tables  https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/i1040tt.pdf

2019 Schedules 1-3

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1040s1.pdf

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1040s2.pdf

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1040s3.pdf

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.

[Opus 17]

You should understand that the cost of preparing a tax return depends on its complexity, not the amount of your refund. If you had a very complex tax return and owed $10 million in income tax but you had previously paid the IRS $10,000,001, you would only receive a $1 refund even though your tax return would be quite expensive to prepare.

However, if you have no unusual tax situations, then you should be able to file yourself using TurboTax for less than HRB charged you. Most people start with TurboTax deluxe, which includes your federal return and one state income tax return. If you live in a state with no income tax, you can probably use TurboTax basic.

At this point in time, you cannot file online for 2019. You must buy a copy of TurboTax to download and install on your own computer, or buy on a CD to install on your own computer. Some discount retailers like Amazon and Best Buy may still have copies available, or you can buy directly from TurboTax.   I believe the cost for TurboTax deluxe is around $75.  Make sure you buy the 2019 version and not the 2020 version.

For the 2020 tax season, you can use TurboTax online, which is free to start. The final price will depend on the complexity of your situation and you will be informed during the preparation process if you need to upgrade to a paid version.  Or, you could once again purchase the 2020 program as a download or on a CD to install on your own computer. The TurboTax CD and download for 2020 is available now, and the online version will open in mid December.