How do I file taxes for other years?

[jpbattaglia]

I want to file taxes for 2012 for my wife but it keeps asking me to file for this year.

[Carl]

The online version of TTX can only be used for the current tax filing year, which at this time is 2019. To file a prior year tax return you have to purchase and install the CD version of the program on your windows or MAC computer.

TurboTax only supports their software for the current tax year and 3 years back. Therefore if you need to file a tax return for a tax year prior to 2017 you can not use the TurboTax program. While you may be able to find older versions of the program on places like Amazon, you will not be able to get the *REQUIRED* updates and corrections for the TurboTax program prior to 2017. Therefore chances are high the tax return will be wrong. The TurboTax 100% Accuracy Guarantee does NOT apply to unsupported tax years.

You can get blank forms for prior tax years on the IRS website, fill them out by hand and mail them to the IRS. Or you can seek the services of a tax professional in your local area.

[xmasbaby0]

The current online program is only for 2019.  The software for a 2012 return has been "retired" and is not available,  Even if you can find it on eBay, etc. is it not supported and you cannot install updates.  Further, a tax refund for 2012 has been forfeited years ago, If tax is owed for 2012 income, it still must be paid with interest and penalties which will only be calculated by the IRS after they receive the return and the tax due as shown on the return form.

If your spouse needs to file a 2012 return it might be a good idea to seek local paid tax help.  Or you can go to the IRS site to print the 2012 paper forms, prepare them by hand and mail them in

https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/prior-year

[VolvoGirl · Accepted solution]

2012?  Why?  

Turbo Tax only sells the last 3 years.  You might want to go to a local accountant or tax place if you have a complicated return.  For simple returns you can fill out the forms by hand.

Here are some blank forms & instructions for 2012

1040  http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040--2012.pdf   

Instructions http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/i1040--2012.pdf

1040A  http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040a--2012.pdf   

Instructions http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/i1040a--2012.pdf

1040EZ http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040ez--2012.pdf

Instructions  http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/i1040ez--2012.pdf

2012 Tax Tables  http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/i1040tt--2012.pdf

Publication 17 Tax Guide for 2012 http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/p17--2012.pdf

[fanfare]

Since more than three years have passed, any refund you might see is forfeited.