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I just wanted to make sure that I HAVE to purchase and download a software by turbo tax in order to file my 2020 and 2021 taxes, or else I will not be able to do my taxes

Just trying to file my last two years taxes and am wondering if there are possibilities to do them for free
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5 Replies

I just wanted to make sure that I HAVE to purchase and download a software by turbo tax in order to file my 2020 and 2021 taxes, or else I will not be able to do my taxes

Yes.   It is too late to start using online TurboTax to prepare 2020 or 2021.   E-filing is closed for those years now.   If you want to use TurboTax software you will need the CD/download for each year on a full PC or Mac.  The returns must be sent in by mail.

 

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 2018.  Any earlier years can only be prepared on paper forms by hand--and those refunds have been forfeited now.

 

To file a return for a prior tax year

 If you need to prepare a return for 2018, 2019 or 2020 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.

 

 

 

 

**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 just wanted to make sure that I HAVE to purchase and download a software by turbo tax in order to file my 2020 and 2021 taxes, or else I will not be able to do my taxes

You can use the IRS Free File site to prepare a 2021 return for free if you meed the income criteria.

 

Use this IRS site for other ways to file for free.  There are 8  free software versions available from the IRS Free File site

 

https://apps.irs.gov/app/freeFile/

 

 

And you can get the 2020 forms from the IRS and prepare them by hand to mail in.

 

2020

 

https://www.irs.gov/instructions/i1040gi

 

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040--2020.pdf

 

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040s1--2020.pdf

 

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040s2--2020.pdf

 

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040s3--2020.pdf

**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 just wanted to make sure that I HAVE to purchase and download a software by turbo tax in order to file my 2020 and 2021 taxes, or else I will not be able to do my taxes

A Moderator posted this timeline on 10/18/22 …

Most of you are right. In the past we have "closed" to start prepping for the new tax year. However, this year we'll "stay open" a bit longer. Customers will be able to file until Nov. 30th (with exceptions, please see below). 

 

Here are some dates to keep in mind: 

Oct 17th - Last day to “timely file” an initial return for which an Extension has been previously requested

Oct 18th - TTOnline will be turning away new or not started customers

Oct 22nd - Last day to “timely file” a perfected/amended (previously rejected) return for which an Extension has been previously requested.

Oct 31st - TTOnline will start turning away all TY21 filings, 

  • TY20, TY21 Amend will still be open for entitled users.
  • TY19 Amend will shutdown
  • EF Rejected users can still fix and resubmit

Nov 15th - All customers will be turned away for TY21

Nov 30th - TTLive Full Service Amended returns end 

I just wanted to make sure that I HAVE to purchase and download a software by turbo tax in order to file my 2020 and 2021 taxes, or else I will not be able to do my taxes

You don't have to buy the Turbo Tax software.  You can go to a local tax place or accountant, etc.  

 

If you have a simple return and want to file for free you can fill out the forms by hand.  Here are some basic forms.....

 

Here is the 2020 1040 return

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040--2020.pdf

 

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

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040s--2020.pdf

 

 

2020 1040 Instructions

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/i1040gi--2020.pdf

 

 

2020 EIC and Tax Tables

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/i1040tt--2020.pdf

 

 

Schedules 1-3

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040s1--2020.pdf

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040s2--2020.pdf

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040s3--2020.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.

I just wanted to make sure that I HAVE to purchase and download a software by turbo tax in order to file my 2020 and 2021 taxes, or else I will not be able to do my taxes

 Free File will remain open for an extra month this year, until November 17, 2022. Available only at IRS.gov/FreeFile, Free File enables people whose incomes are $73,000 or less to file a return online for free using brand-name software. Free File is sponsored by the Free File Alliance, a partnership between the IRS and the tax-software industry.

 

@alittledropofsun 

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