I recently filed my taxes for 2020. Due to the complicated nature of my previous employment history (1099), I did not file for the years 2017-2019. How do I proceed?

[opotts96]

I am now a W-2 employee and have been withholding additional amounts from wages earned in 2020, in an attempt to mitigate any fees or money owed to the IRS. Having completed my 2020 return, how do I check the status of those missed years? Is this something that needs to be filed retroactively?

[SweetieJean]

Prior year returns cannot be completed or filed online. Rather, you must  purchase and download the TT desktop version for each of the those 3 years, and file by mail.  You must use a computer (not a phone).

TurboTax® 2017 Tax Software for Filing Past Years’ Taxes, Prior Year Tax Preparation (intuit.com)

TurboTax® 2018 Tax Software for Filing Past Years’ Taxes, Prior Year Tax Preparation (intuit.com)

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

You might wish to consult a local tax preparer due to your 1099 work income those years.

[Mike9241]

we can't see the documents for 2017-2019 or have any idea of what your tax liability would be.  receiving 1099's for self-employment requires payment of about 15% of net self-employment income for fica and medicare taxes even if taxable income is $0.  if you owe taxes for these years interest,  failure to file and failure to pay penalties could be substantial. using a pro might be your best option especially if you'll have difficulty paying any balance due. then there is the 2020 return.  yes the iRS would likely take any overpayment to cover taxes interest and penalties for prior years but you could still owe and you would need to file the 2020 return.  a pro could look over your situation and recommend either a payment plan or trying an offer in compromise, if needed,  once they know your full situation.