Why sign in to the Community?

  • Submit a question
  • Check your notifications
Sign in to the Community or Sign in to TurboTax and start working on your taxes
New Member
posted Jun 6, 2019 7:33:33 AM

I need to file 2016 taxes. I started filing today (12/17/17) but Turbo Tax doesn't allow me to select a different year other than 2017.

0 5 1340
1 Best answer
Level 15
Jun 6, 2019 7:33:34 AM

TRYING TO USE CURRENT SOFTWARE FOR 2016

No.  You cannot use the current online software to prepare a 2016 return.  Online preparation and e-filing for 2016 is permanently closed.  You have to download 2016 software and then print, sign and mail your return.  If you already paid for your TurboTax software, you can contact customer support to push a download of the software to you.

To file a return for a prior tax year

Only a 2017 return can be prepared online and e-filed. You cannot change the year of the software you are using.

 If you need to prepare a return for 2014, 2015, or 2016 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/

  (if you want to prepare on paper for free:  )

PRIOR YEAR FORMS FROM IRS

2016 

Form 1040  https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040--2016.pdf

Form 1040 Instructions https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/i1040gi--2016.pdf

Form 1040A https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1040a.pdf

Form 1040AInstructions https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/i1040a--2016.pdf

Form1040EZ https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040ez--2015.pdf

Form1040EZ Instructions  https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/i1040ez.pdf

https://www.irs.gov/filing/where-to-file-paper-tax-returns-with-or-without-a-payment

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 received the return.

5 Replies
Level 15
Jun 6, 2019 7:33:34 AM

TRYING TO USE CURRENT SOFTWARE FOR 2016

No.  You cannot use the current online software to prepare a 2016 return.  Online preparation and e-filing for 2016 is permanently closed.  You have to download 2016 software and then print, sign and mail your return.  If you already paid for your TurboTax software, you can contact customer support to push a download of the software to you.

To file a return for a prior tax year

Only a 2017 return can be prepared online and e-filed. You cannot change the year of the software you are using.

 If you need to prepare a return for 2014, 2015, or 2016 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/

  (if you want to prepare on paper for free:  )

PRIOR YEAR FORMS FROM IRS

2016 

Form 1040  https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040--2016.pdf

Form 1040 Instructions https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/i1040gi--2016.pdf

Form 1040A https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1040a.pdf

Form 1040AInstructions https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/i1040a--2016.pdf

Form1040EZ https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040ez--2015.pdf

Form1040EZ Instructions  https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/i1040ez.pdf

https://www.irs.gov/filing/where-to-file-paper-tax-returns-with-or-without-a-payment

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 received the return.

Level 15
Jun 6, 2019 7:33:36 AM

You can clear out the information you entered into the wrong software so that when you are ready to file your 2017 return you can still use the account for 2017.

Level 15
Jun 6, 2019 7:33:40 AM

Here's how to clear out your 2017 return so it will start fresh when you're ready to prepare the 2017:

FAQ:   How do I clear and start over in TurboTax Online?
<a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/2586254-how-do-i-clear-and-start-over-in-turbotax-online">https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/2586254-how-do-i-clear-and-start-over-in-turbotax-online</a>?

Returning Member
Jul 10, 2020 1:03:02 PM

I'VE JUST ORDERED AND PAID FOR DOWNLOAD OF FORMS FOR YEAR 2017 BT ICANNOT PULL UP FORMS

Employee Tax Expert
Jul 13, 2020 10:53:12 AM

It depends upon what you are having issues with.

 

Please see the attached link for instructions to help you download the prior year program.

Accessing Downloaded software

 

Please see the following link for instructions to help you open your tax return.

Opening a tax return in downloaded software