I need to file my taxes for the first time but can i start with more recent jobs or do i need to gather all of my W2s from the past first ?

[cleslie620]

im 25 and ive been working since about 2011/2012...

[xmasbaby0]

Each tax year has to be filed separately---you cannot combine them.   If you have been working since 2011 or 2012 why have you not ever filed a tax return?   

The online program is only for 2020 returns--no other year.   You can only enter 2020 income into the online software.

As for other past tax years:

PAST YEAR RETURNS

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 2017.  Any earlier years can only be prepared on paper forms by hand--and those refunds have been forfeited now.

The current online program can only be used for a 2020 return--no other year.  And if you did not file a 2019 return you will have trouble e-filing 2020.  When it asks for your 2019 AGI try using zero.  If zero does not work then you have to print, sign and mail 2020.

Online preparation and e-filing for 2017, 2018 and 2019 is permanently closed.

To file a return for a prior tax year

 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.

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.

Sorry---but you have missed the chance to get tax refunds for any year earlier than 2017.   Refunds from any earlier years have been forfeited.   But if you owe tax then the IRS still wants you to pay.   And....you only have until May 17, 2021 to file 2017 or that refund will also be forfeited.

And....yes.....in order to file your tax returns you need your W-2's.   Have you been saving them?   If not, you should contact past employers to get copies. 

You might need to phone, drop in, email and/or snail mail an old employer to make sure they know where to send your W-2.

Other ways to get W-2’s:

Pay Social Security $90 per W-2:

https://www.irs.gov/help-resources/tools-faqs/faqs-for-individuals/frequently-asked-tax-questions-an...

You can get a wage and income transcript from the IRS:  It will not show the actual W-2, 1099’s, etc, but will show the income information the IRS received.  It will not, however, show your state information. It will only show the federal information.

https://www.irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript

[TolDav54]

File for just 2020 as each year stands alone.

If you were due a refund for years 2011-2012 and beyond you may have forfeited the $$$ as tax claims for refunds are time-sensitive.

You can look at each prior year individually once 2020 is filed.

It is generally recommended to file a return for each year that a W-2 is issued to you.

[Opus 17]

Seriously?

OK, for all the past years, you can pretty much assume that you were due a refund.  When the IRS gets a W-2 but no tax return, they create a substitute tax return in their computer.  If the IRS calculated that you owed tax, they would have sent you a bill, but they won't send a refund if you don't actually file a return to request it.

Any refund due for 2016 and earlier is lost.  A refund claim for 2017 must be filed by May 17, 2021.  the deadlines to file refund claims for 2018 and 2019 would be in 2022 and 2023. 

You may want to file a 2017, 2018 and 2019 return.  You will have to buy Turbotax for each year separately here, report your income for that year only, and print your returns, sign them, and mail them in.  (Separately of course).  https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/past-years-products/

For 2020 you can file online, probably for free if your return is simple.

The IRS can audit you for 3 years from the date you file, so if you never file, the audit clock never runs out.  So the IRS could audit you all the way back to 2011 if they wanted to.  However, it will cost quite a bit to file, unless you want to download the individual forms and do it yourself (this is not that hard, just made sure you get the correct forms and instructions for each past year).  You aren't at that much audit risk if you are just working a regular W-2 job, but if you had investments, rental property, a personal business, or were doing anything shady, you should probably see a professional.