Mailing a hard copy of taxes

[kevinbaker2275]

I understand that with Turbotax, you can only e-file the current year taxes. I need to file taxes for 2016 to 2019 inclusive. Does anybody  have information on how long it takes the IRS to process hard copy filings of back taxes? Also, should I separate each filing (e.g., 2016, 2017) by a period of time, for example, one week, or is this not necessary. Thanks you!

[xmasbaby0 · Accepted solution]

Mail them in separate envelopes--do not combine them in any way.

It usually takes about 8 weeks for the IRS to process a mailed return.

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.

To file a return for a prior tax year

If you need to prepare a return for 2016, 2017, or 2018 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/

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.

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.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1900990-how-do-i-file-a-prior-year-tax-return

[bluedeb · Accepted solution]

It takes approximately 6 weeks for the IRS to process an accurately completed past due tax return.  It can take longer this time of year with the IRS busy processes 2019 returns.

You should mail each year in a separate envelope, make sure you sign your returns.  You can mail them at different intervals or at the same time, just as long as they are in their own envelopes.  See the following from the IRS.

Filing Past Due Tax Returns

 https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/filing-past-due-tax-returns

[kevinbaker2275]

Thank you for the information. BTW, I had totally forgotten about state taxes! Are state taxes, in my case California for overdue (prior year) returns sent in the same envelope/same location or do they need to be sent to the the State? Thank you!   

[bluedeb]

No, you need to send your state returns to CA.  Don't send them with the Federal returns.  The following has CA mailing addresses

https://www.ftb.ca.gov/help/contact/mailing-addresses.html

[KarenM90]

Your California State return(s) need to be mailed (in separate envelope for each year) to California.  Here is the link for California Tax Return mailing addresses:  California Tax Return Mailing Addresses.