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Just now filing my taxes, for 2020 and 2021. But my refund is really small, why?

 
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Just now filing my taxes, for 2020 and 2021. But my refund is really small, why?

Hope you didn't use the online version for 2020.  Online is only for 2021 now.   You have to do each year separately.

 

To do a prior year return you have to buy the Desktop program here,

https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/past-years-products/

You will need a full Windows or Mac to install it on.

 

If you have a simple return and want to file for free you can fill out the forms by hand.  Here are some basic forms.....

 

Here is the 2020 1040 return

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040--2020.pdf

 

or if you want bigger type use 1040SR for Seniors,

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040s--2020.pdf

 

 

2020 1040 Instructions

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/i1040gi--2020.pdf

 

 

2020 EIC and Tax Tables

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/i1040tt--2020.pdf

 

 

Schedules 1-3

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040s1--2020.pdf

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040s2--2020.pdf

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040s3--2020.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.

 

Then when you file for 2021 you need to enter 0 for the 2020 AGI since you are filing 2020 late.

 

 

 

Just now filing my taxes, for 2020 and 2021. But my refund is really small, why?

we can't see your returns or the data that you used to prepare them. therefore, we have no way of knowing why the refunds are small according to you. you could upgrade to have a tax pro review them or hire an outside professional. 

Just now filing my taxes, for 2020 and 2021. But my refund is really small, why?

If you entered both 2020 & 2021 income into the same tax return that would give you a low refund.

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