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donj1997
New Member

I haven’t filed in 2-3 years what will I need to file now?

 
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2 Replies

I haven’t filed in 2-3 years what will I need to file now?

Well---we cannot see your information so we have no idea what income you are going to need to enter.   Each tax year is separate.  You cannot combine them in any way.  Each tax year has forms and schedules specific to the tax year, and specific to the tax laws for the year.  And each tax year has software specific to the tax year in which the income was received.

 

You are going to need to gather together all of your W-2's or any 1099's for the tax years in which you have not filed returns.   It is too late to get a refund for any tax year earlier than 2020---any refunds from earlier years have been forfeited.  And 2020 will be forfeited unless you file it by May 15 of this year.  But....if you owe tax due there  is no time limit on that--you owe it forever and the IRS wants to be paid with penalties and interest.

 

It might be better for you to seek local paid tax help in a situation when you are several years behind in filing your tax returns.  Do you even have all of the documents you will need to enter and show your income—like your W-2’s and any 1099’s?

 

 

If you want to use TurboTax:

 

You cannot change the tax year.   The current online program is for 2023 only.   Only a 2023 return can be prepared online and only a 2023 return can be e-filed.

 

Online preparation and e-filing for 2020, 2021, and  2022 is permanently closed.

 

To file a return for a prior tax year

 If you need to prepare a return for 2020, 2021, or 2022  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.

 

 

What if I do not file my tax return?

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/2572308-what-happens-if-i-don-t-file-my-taxes

 

**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.**
TomK2023
Expert Alumni

I haven’t filed in 2-3 years what will I need to file now?

You can't use TurboTax 2023 software to file a prior  year(s) tax return.

 

To file a new prior-year return, you'll need to purchase and download that year's TurboTax software for PC or Mac, as TurboTax Online and the mobile app are only available for the current tax year. (Note: Returns for tax years 2019 and earlier are no longer eligible to be filed through TurboTax.)

 

Prior-year returns must be paper-filed, as e-filing is no longer available for them. We'll walk you through that process when you get to the File section in the software.

 

After installing the software, open it and follow the onscreen instructions to file your return.

 

Please see this helpful TurboTax FAQ: How do I file a 2022, 2021, or 2020 tax return?

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