How do I start filing old tax returns?

[afruge1215-gmail]

I have had a terrible past 5 years,  I basically just shut down and did barely what I had to to get by.  I am doing much better now and need to file my taxes from 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022.  Where and how do I get started?  ( I have all of the W-2's and such Paperwork for each year.)

[DoninGA · Accepted solution]

To complete and file a 2021, 2020 and 2019 tax return using TurboTax you would need to purchase, download and install on a personal computer one of the desktop editions for each tax year from this website - https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/past-years-products/

Prior year tax returns can only be printed and mailed, they cannot be e-filed.  When mailing multiple tax years use a separate envelope for each tax year.  You should also consider using a tracking service from the US post office so that you know the tax return were received by the IRS.

Note - If the 2019 tax return has a tax refund, the refund will not be paid since it is after the 3 year limit for filing after the due date of the 2019 tax return.

For tax year 2022 you can use either the TurboTax online editions or the desktop editions.

Go to this website for the online editions - https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/compare/online/

Go to this website for the desktop editions - https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/cd-download/

[xmasbaby0]

Each tax year has to be filed separately using the forms for the specific tax year.  They cannot be combined in any way--do not even put them in the same envelope when you mail them.  Software for past years is available back to 2019.  Any earlier years can only be prepared on paper forms by hand--and those refunds have been forfeited now.

The current online program can only be used for a 2022 return--no other year.  And if you did not file a 2021 return you will have trouble e-filing 2022.  When it asks for your 2021 AGI try using zero.  If zero does not work then you have to print, sign and mail 2022

Online preparation and e-filing for 2019 and 2020 and 2021 is permanently closed.

To file a return for a prior tax year

 If you need to prepare a return for 2019, 2020 or 2021 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.

[Anonymous_]

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@afruge1215-gmail wrote:
.....I basically just shut down and did barely what I had to to get by.  I am doing much better now and need to file my taxes from 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022.  Where and how do I get started?

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You might want to contact a tax professional in your area. There may be state issues as well as federal and a tax professional may be able to get any penalties that may be imposed abated if there is reasonable cause (which appears could be the case).

See https://webboard.naea.org/expertdirectory