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New Member
posted Dec 14, 2020 8:52:38 PM

I’m trying to do my 2019 taxes now. I know I’m late but my turbo tax app is only letting me start 2020. How do I go to 2019?

2 30 4627
24 Replies
New Member
Dec 14, 2020 10:06:06 PM

Yep, I'm in the same boat, unfortunately. 😒

Level 15
Dec 15, 2020 5:22:59 AM

@thats-so-deirdre 

@karla0225 

 

The "Online " software is only for 2020 taxes now.  2019 Online software was fully shut down at the end of October.

 

So, now you would need to buy, download and install the Desktop software, on a full MAC or Windows computer.  Then print and mail in the tax paperwork.......no efiling allowed at this late date.

 

TurboTax® 2019 Tax Software for Filing Past Years’ Taxes, Prior Year Tax Preparation (intuit.com)

 

New Member
Dec 19, 2020 11:25:57 AM

I want to redo my 2019 taxes, which were prepared by a consultant, on turbotax 2019 downloaded from Amazon.  I have bought 2020 and it is downloaded and is ok, but i'm having trouble starting 2019.

Level 15
Dec 19, 2020 11:32:04 AM

@ross10 

Define the trouble?

....you do know you need to buy and install the 2019 software separately on a full MAC or Windows computer. 

The 2020 tax software won't do a 2019 tax return.....(need to say that since it wasn't clear that "you" have the 2019 software installed yet)

 

And you need to have the separate license code for each one when you do start up either program for the first time.   You get the License code from whomever you purchased the software.

 

2019 is a 14-digit code

2020 is a 16 digit code

Level 15
Dec 19, 2020 11:34:02 AM

@ross10   Did you file a 2019 original return and now want to amend it?  You have to use the 2019 Desktop program.  Can't tell if you have the 2019 program installed.  And you will need the file ending in .tax2019 to amend

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/tax-topics/help/how-do-i-amend-my-2019-return-in-the-turbotax-cd-download-software/00/1238216 

Level 15
Dec 19, 2020 11:35:59 AM

And did you use Turbo Tax to file 2019?  If not,  

To amend a return you did somewhere else, you would first have to fill out Turbo Tax like you are doing the original return and pay for it.  You have to recreate the actual wrong original return.  Then when it matches each line that you really filed you have to tell Turbo Tax you will mail it so it thinks it was filed.  Then you can amend it.

Returning Member
Dec 21, 2020 10:42:00 PM

If I have to buy the desktop version, so be it, but Its not even letting me download my tax file. I pretty much had the whole thing done, but because of some life events and dumb decisions, i didnt get it filed. Would take me at least a full day to redo it all.

Level 1
Dec 27, 2020 7:04:04 PM

So would we have to redo the whole thing? because my near completed version was on the E-version

Level 15
Dec 27, 2020 7:05:23 PM

@GM19

Online tax preparation and e-filing for 2019 returns is now permanently closed.  You had until midnight on Thursday, October 15, 2020 to finish and attempt to e-file; if your e-file was rejected you had until October 31, 2020 to make corrections and re-file. Now it is too late to use online software or to e-file. If you have any changes/corrections at all to make to your 2019 return, you now have to complete it using desktop software, which you must download to a full PC or Mac  (not to a mobile device).Then you need to print, sign and mail it.

 

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/2559403-how-do-i-finish-a-prior-year-return-that-i-started-in-turbotax-online

 

If you already paid for your online software you can ask customer support for a download of the desktop software.

They are available from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific time Monday-Friday.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1899263-what-is-the-turbotax-phone-number

 

 

If you are getting a refund, there is no penalty for filing late.  If you owe tax due, then file and pay the amount due as shown on the Form 1040, but expect a bill later from the IRS for the penalty and interest you will owe.  Only the IRS will calculate this—TurboTax will not calculate it.

Level 15
Dec 27, 2020 7:22:24 PM

You should be able to download the tax data file ending in .tax2019 to open in the Desktop program.  

 

After you get the program installed the first thing to do before you open your tax return is to update the program and install any state programs you had.  So you first might need to start a fake return to be able to download the state program (go to FILE - New)

 

Then you just OPEN the .tax2019 file, go up to File-Open.  You don't import or transfer it.

 

 

Returning Member
Dec 28, 2020 8:04:53 AM

That is fine however my state does not have state taxes and it appears u have to purchase the 80 version or 79.99

Level 15
Dec 28, 2020 8:09:06 AM

Yes---that is right.  When you purchase desktop software it includes state software.  That is what is available whether you need the state or not.  You can use the paper forms and prepare the federal return by hand if you prefer.

 

2019

 

2019 Instructions

 https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/i1040gi--2019.pdf

 

 

1040  https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040--2019.pdf

 

1040SR  https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040s--2019.pdf

 

2019 Schedules 1-3

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040s1--2019.pdf

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040s2--2019.pdf

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040s3--2019.pdf

 

Level 15
Dec 28, 2020 8:12:06 AM

Sorry ... but maybe you can find a better price on the Basic program online from a reputable reseller.

Level 15
Dec 28, 2020 8:21:35 AM

See if any of these retailers have 2019 Basic

 

This link Where can I obtain authentic TurboTax software? has a list of authorized TurboTax resellers.

New Member
Dec 29, 2020 10:10:58 AM

I already paid for 2019 turbo tax

Level 15
Dec 29, 2020 10:12:52 AM

@pgroening06

 

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/2559403-how-do-i-finish-a-prior-year-return-that-i-started-in-turbotax-online

 

If you already paid for your online software you can ask customer support for a download of the desktop software.

They are available from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific time Monday-Friday.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1899263-what-is-the-turbotax-phone-number

Level 2
Jan 1, 2021 2:41:44 PM

I'm also bought and downloaded the 2019 desktop software and completed my Federal return but can't get past the update window when trying to complete my state return.  I paid for the download a couple weeks ago and don't want any updates since I need to call an IT administrator every time there's an update.  Very frustrating that I paid for the product and can't use it.  Any suggestions to open the software as I purchased without being re-directed for updates?  

Thanks!

Level 15
Jan 1, 2021 2:59:57 PM

If you have the Windows Desktop program you can change the update preferences under Menu item Online.  But I don't think it will let you efile without updating at the end.  

Returning Member
Jan 4, 2021 9:40:28 AM

Hi,

 

I am having this same issue with being unable to download the 2019 (or 2018 or 2017) .tax files from the TurboTax site.  It is saying I am not eligible to download prior years, and when I look at the Chrome info, it says:

 

"dotTaxExists": true,
"dotTaxEntitled": false,

 

I have purchased the 2019 desktop version and have started a new 2020 TurboTax Online session using the Premier version.  But I just can't seem to download the .tax file.  Any guidance as to what I need to purchase  to flip the dotTaxEntitled flag to True would be very helpful.  I have submitted a request for all my data at Intuit Privacy but that can take up to 45 days.

 

Thank you!

Level 15
Jan 4, 2021 9:44:40 AM


@jduke99 wrote:

Hi,

 

I am having this same issue with being unable to download the 2019 (or 2018 or 2017) .tax files from the TurboTax site.  It is saying I am not eligible to download prior years, and when I look at the Chrome info, it says:

 

"dotTaxExists": true,
"dotTaxEntitled": false,

 

I have purchased the 2019 desktop version and have started a new 2020 TurboTax Online session using the Premier version.  But I just can't seem to download the .tax file.  Any guidance as to what I need to purchase  to flip the dotTaxEntitled flag to True would be very helpful.  I have submitted a request for all my data at Intuit Privacy but that can take up to 45 days.

 

Thank you!


Contact TurboTax support for assistance with this problem.

 

Use this website to contact TurboTax support during business hours - https://support.turbotax.intuit.com/contact/

Or -

Support can also be reached by messaging them on these pages https://www.facebook.com/turbotax/ and https://twitter.com/TeamTurboTax

Or -

Use this phone number and select TurboTax - 1-800-4-INTUIT (1-800-446-8848)

Returning Member
Jan 4, 2021 11:50:26 AM

Thanks @DoninGA .  I did speak to TurboTax support and they said it seems to be a problem for those that did not complete their taxes online last year.  They recommended for now to request all data through the Intuit Data Privacy request process. 

New Member
Jan 5, 2021 11:53:28 AM

So, I own 2020 turbotax Delux, but I have no idea how to start a 2019 return on it all. Can someone help me with this? 

Level 15
Jan 5, 2021 12:06:27 PM

To complete a 2019 return  you must use the 2019 program ... the 2020 program can only complete a 2020 return.  Each tax year requires it's own program. 

 

If you need to prepare a return for 2017, 2018, or 2019 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.   

This link Where can I obtain authentic TurboTax software? has a list of authorized TurboTax resellers.

                                   

 

Remember to prepare your state return as well—if you live in a state that has a state income tax.

 

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.

 

 

 

If you want to file for free you can fill out the forms by hand.  Here are some basic forms.....

 

Here is the 2019 1040 return

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040--2019.pdf

 

             

or if you want bigger type use 1040SR for Seniors   https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040s--2019.pdf

 

2019 Instructions https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/i1040gi.pdf

2019 EIC and Tax Tables   https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/i1040tt--2019.pdf

 

2019 Schedules 1-3

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040s1--2019.pdf

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040s2--2019.pdf

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040s3--2019.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.

 

 

 

You can finish using desktop software.  If you already paid your Online TurboTax fees you can get a download from customer support for free.

 

To call TurboTax customer support

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1899263-what-is-the-turbotax-phone-number

They are available from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific time  Monday-Friday

                        

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1900990-how-do-i-file-a-prior-year-tax-return

 

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.

 

 

So you don't need to start over from scratch ...  download the .taxfile from the online system now so you can open it in the downloaded program.  

 

New Member
Jan 5, 2021 11:34:37 PM

I entered my 2019 info for 2020 and paid for it already. How can I get it changed?