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jivey5120
New Member

I have not filled in six yrs. can I file this yrs. and then get the rest caught up

 
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3 Replies
ThomasM125
Employee Tax Expert

I have not filled in six yrs. can I file this yrs. and then get the rest caught up

You can file tax returns for previous years but file this year's taxes first. You can only get a refund though if you file your amended return within three years from the due date of the previous year's tax return. You will have to pay penalties and interest for back taxes due, but the IRS may pay you interest income on refunds from previous years.

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I have not filled in six yrs. can I file this yrs. and then get the rest caught up

It is a good thing that you are going to try to catch up.

 

You can use online TurboTax for a 2024 return.   Only a 2024 return can be prepared online and only a 2024 return can be e-filed.  Do not put any income from a past year on a 2024 return.

 

As for all those past years----You are really in the weeds.   You might want to seek local paid tax help.  Do you have all of your income documents like W-2's, 1099's, etc. etc. etc.  for those years?

 

 

Each tax year has to be filed separately using the software and 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 2021.  Any earlier years can only be prepared on paper forms by hand--and those refunds have been forfeited now.

 

Any refund for 2021 will be forfeited unless the return is filed by April 15, 2025.

 

 

You cannot change the tax year.   The current online program is for 2024 only.   Only a 2024 return can be prepared online and only a 2024 return can be e-filed.

 

Online preparation and e-filing for 2021, 2022, and  2023 is permanently closed.

 

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.

 

To file a return for a prior tax year

 If you need to prepare a return for 2021, 2022, or 2023  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/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/state-taxes/contact-state-department-rev...

 

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 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.

 

 

 

Refunds for tax years 2020 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.  TurboTax will not calculate the penalties or  interest.   That will be done by the IRS/state after they receive your return with your payment of the tax due as shown on the tax form(s).

 

 

You might be able to "google"  and find some other tax software that can be used for years earlier than 2021---but you cannot use TurboTax for any year earlier than 2021.

 

**Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to offer the most correct information possible. The poster disclaims any legal responsibility for the accuracy of the information that is contained in this post.**

I have not filled in six yrs. can I file this yrs. and then get the rest caught up

turbotax is only available for 2021 through 2024. prior returns would have to be done manually or seek a tax pro. There may be websites that allow the preparation of earlier year returns. use at your own risk

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