Need download product for 2018 tax year....download unavailable on Turbo Tax

[planetm69]

I see I can only purchase download for 2019 onwards on Turbo Tax and no further back. I need the download for 2018. I found Turbo Tax Self employed version  for 2018 on Amazon for sale. Will this still work to paper file for 2018? I dont want to buy something that might not work.

[xmasbaby0]

TurboTax no longer sells nor supports software for 2018, and you cannot get updates for 2018.   Further, any refund for 2018 has been forfeited and will not be paid to you.   If you owe the IRS, you will still have to pay with penalties and interest.

If you want the paper forms to mail in:

2018

Form 1040

Instructions for Form 1040  (HTML)

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

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

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1040s3.pdf 

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1040s4.pdf

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1040s5.pdf 

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1040s6.pdf 

2019

[planetm69]

So you are saying that if I buy the software for 2018 from Amazon for Turbo Tax, that it will not work correctly in figuring out my taxes? I understand I will owe penalties and cant receive a refund. That isn't the question. I need to know if I buy the 2018 software, will it calculate my taxes?

If software worked in 2018, why wouldnt it work now? Turbo Tax "support" software for 2019, but not 2018?

[xmasbaby0]

You received replies from me and from SteamTrain in your other thread; both of us explained to you that even if you find the 2018 software on eBay, etc. it will not be supported.   You cannot get the updates for it that use all of the tax laws or provide all of the forms for 2018.   Simply put--it will not work and will not be accurate.   TurboTax "retires" software after three years, and does not provide support or updates for it.  If you need to prepare a 2018 return, you would be better off seeking local paid tax help or by using the paper forms---some of which have already been linked for you --do not try to use an old unsupported version of TurboTax.

[xmasbaby0]

@planetm69 Was this you -- under a different username?  Or someone else?

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/after-you-file/discussion/where-can-i-get-a-copy-of-the-turbotax-s...

[DoninGA]

@planetm69 

Did a search on Amazon for TurboTax 2018.  All of software I saw being offered was on a CD/ROM.  The software on the CD was the first release only, it will not include any of the updates.  TurboTax updates their software throughout the tax year.  The very first update was on 11/15/2018 and the last update was on 07/24/2020 with about 50 other updates in-between.

Since none of these updates nor any state programs will be available if you purchase and install the 2018 software using the CD you will not be able to complete an accurate 2018 federal tax return.

[planetm69]

No, that is not my post. 🙂

Ok, Im understanding what you're saying now. I realize that if you file too many years late, that some credits are forfeited and perhaps the software wont calculate properly. Thank you for saving me money and headaches!

So I need to ask then, what is the cut off date to use and file with the 2019 software? I  purchased  from TurboTax so I need to be sure I dont miss the deadline. Im behind on some years taxes and need to make sure the software I purchased will work for me.

Thank you for all of your help.

[planetm69]

Thank you!! Yes, this makes sense and I will seek out other assistance for that tax year!

I purchased the 2019 from Turbo Tax. What date is that no longer functional?

[DoninGA]

The 2019 TurboTax software will be supported at least up through October 16, 2023 and possibly through the end of October 2023.  So if you purchase the 2019 software now and install now you will receive all the updates to the 2019 software and state software if needed.

The 2019 tax return can only be printed and mailed, it cannot be e-filed using TurboTax.

[planetm69]

I just reread your post. I did not see the "other thread" where you say you both answered. I posted this question today because I thought my questions weren't being posted. I looked on this forum and it said I had 1 post (which was a different question) so I posted again. I apologize if I posted same question. I'm not sure where to see all my posts and the subsequent answers.

[xmasbaby0]

TurboTax will "retire" the 2019 software soon after the 10-16-2023 filing deadline for people who had extensions to file 2022 returns.    Not sure how long the 2019 software will be "useable" or accurate past that date.   And...if you did not have an extension to file 2019 (which you would have had to request by the April deadline in 2020) you will not receive a refund for 2019.   A 2019 return can only be filed by mail; it cannot be e-filed.

[planetm69]

ok. good to know! So it might be the 16th or it might be end of the month? 

I don't know if people are made aware by Turbo Tax when they buy previous years software that they will have a cut off point to use the software accurately, but that is need to know information for sure!! 

[xmasbaby0]

@planetm69 Good luck in getting all caught up on filing your tax returns.   If it turns out that you owe, the penalties and interest will not be calculated by TurboTax.  The IRS will bill you when they receive the original return and your payment for the amount due as shown on the tax form.   Hope you do not owe, but if you do, getting help from a local paid tax professional could be a good idea; they might be able to negotiate with the IRS for you.   Do get caught up----someday your ability to receive Social Security benefits can be impacted if you have not filed your tax returns.   

[planetm69]

Thank you so much for your input and your kind words. I WILL get caught up as it is causing me sleepless nights. I found an IRS penalty calculator to get a broad estimate. It doesn't look too good so the quicker I get caught up, the better!

Is it true that any credit you might have been due, say Income Credits, will no longer be applied after 3 years?

Side note: I have located a large, brand name competitor that offers from 2017 for back tax software. I have used Turbo Tax exclusively for my taxes but I may have to go off brand just for 2018. 😉