If I am past the deadline, and I am due for a return (I've done it on PDFs but didn't file), is there any point in filing?

[romajima]

I downloaded the PDFs for the tax forms back in April, filled them out, and saw I was due for a return. However, I found I could not e-file, and I didn't realize that tax software was as cheap as it is.
I've heard that the 2018 returns could be filed as late as 2020, but I don't know if that applies to all returns or if it was a specific 2020 rule.

[DoninGA]

You have up to three years from the original due date of the tax return to file for a tax refund.

All prior year tax returns can only be printed and mailed, they cannot be e-filed using TurboTax.

Only tax years 2022, 2021 and 2020 can be filed for a refund.

[xmasbaby0 · Accepted solution]

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 2020.  Any earlier years can only be prepared on paper forms by hand--and those refunds have been forfeited now.

TurboTax has software for 2020 onward.   Software is no longer available from TurboTax for earlier years, nor would it be supported even if you find it on eBay, etc.  Updates are not available.   It is also too late to receive a tax refund for a tax year earlier than 2020---those refunds have been forfeited.   BUT if you owe tax due you still have to pay with penalties and interest.   There might be other software providers that have software for those years, but you will not receive refunds for the returns even if the forms show a refund.

Online preparation and e-filing for 2020, 2021, and  2022 is permanently closed.

To file a return for a prior tax year

 If you need to prepare a return for 2020, 2021, or 2022  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.

[romajima]

Where will I find the addresses? Wisconsin resident.

[DoninGA]

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@romajima wrote:

Where will I find the addresses? Wisconsin resident.

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For the federal tax returns go to this IRS website and select your state (with or without a payment) for a Form 1040 - https://www.irs.gov/filing/where-to-file-paper-tax-returns-with-or-without-a-payment

For the Wisconsin state tax returns go to this website for the mailing addresses - https://www.revenue.wi.gov/Pages/FAQS/pcs-mail.aspx

For each tax year use a separate envelope for both federal and state tax returns.