Can I import w2s from 2018 that I haven’t filed for ?

[gguwop]

I didn’t do my taxes for 2018 can they be filed now with my 2019 taxes ?

[xmasbaby0]

NO.  Each tax year must be filed separately.  You cannot put 2018 income on a 2019 tax return.

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 2016.  Any earlier years can only be prepared on paper forms by hand--and those refunds have been forfeited now.

The current online program can only be used for a 2019 return--no other year.  And if you did not file a 2018 return you will have trouble e-filing 2019.  When it asks for your 2018 AGI try using zero.  If zero does not work then you have to print, sign and mail 2019.

Online preparation and e-filing for 2018 is permanently closed.

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

[DoninGA]

A 2018 W-2 cannot be imported. 

The TurboTax online editions are Only for tax year 2019.

To complete a 2018 tax return using TurboTax you will need to purchase, download and install on a personal computer one of the 2018 desktop editions from this website - https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/past-years-products/

A 2018 tax return can only be printed and mailed, it cannot be e-filed.

[xmasbaby0]

And....it is too late to import a 2018 W-2.  Only a 2019 W-2 can be imported.

W-2's come from your employer, and they have until Jan. 31 to issue it.  Some employers allow you to import the W-2 through the software, but for security reasons you still need information from the actual W-2 to import it.  You might need to phone, email and/or snail mail an old employer to make sure they know where to send your W-2.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/2561916-how-can-i-get-a-copy-of-my-w-2

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1934390-how-do-i-import-my-W-2

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/2588751-why-can-t-i-import-my-w-2

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/2938482-how-do-i-take-a-picture-of-my-w-2-in-turbotax-online

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/income/help/what-if-it-s-february-but-i-still-don-t-have-my-w-2/00...

https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc154

Other ways to get W-2’s:

Pay Social Security $86 per W-2:

https://www.irs.gov/help-resources/tools-faqs/faqs-for-individuals/frequently-asked-tax-questions-an...

You can get a wage and income transcript from the IRS:  It will not show the actual W-2, 1099’s, etc, but will show the income information the IRS received.  It will not, however, show your state information. It will only show the federal information.

https://www.irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript

[Critter · Accepted solution]

NO they cannot be imported ... the window for that has closed.  And NO you cannot mix 2018 income on a 2019 return... that will get you an audit letter for sure.

To finish a prior year return started in TT online:https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/2559403-how-do-i-finish-a-prior-year-return-that-i-started-in-turb

If you already paid for your online software you can ask customer support for a download of the desktop software.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1899263-what-is-the-turbotax-phone-number

If you didn't already pay for your 2018 product prior to the shutdown, you can either purchase directly from the TurboTax website as mentioned above, or you may find the product at a discount as a download at Amazon, etc.    CAUTION:  There are a lot of scam sites, so do not try to purchase from any "too-good-to-be-true" discount site on the Internet that you find in a search.   You might end up with pirated software, ID theft, malware, etc.   Only a few large well-known sites like Amazon, NewEgg, Staples, Office Depot, etc., are authorized to sell TurboTax downloads.

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 and/or your state received the return.

If you are getting a refund, there is no penalty for filing late.  If you owe tax due, then file and pay the amount due as shown on the Form 1040, but expect a bill later from the IRS for the penalty and interest you will owe.  Only the IRS will calculate this—TurboTax will not calculate it.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/prior-year-return/help/how-do-i-finish-a-prior-year-return-that-i-...

If you want to just get the forms and prepare them by hand, that would be free--except for postage to mail them.

Here is the IRS 2018 Form 1040

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040--2018.pdf

And instructions  https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/i1040gi--2018.pdf

2018 Tax and EIC Tables https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/i1040tt--2018.pdf

IRS 2018  Schedules 1 thru 6 (only if needed)

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040s1--2018.pdf

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040s2--2018.pdf

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040s3--2018.pdf

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040s4--2018.pdf

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040s5--2018.pdf

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040s6--2018.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.

[bluedeb · Accepted solution]

You cannot import prior year W-2 into TurboTax.  You also cannot file your 2018 with 2019 or use the Online version for your 2018 return.  The Online version is only for the current tax season which is 2019.

You would need the Desktop software to prepare a 2018 return.  Prior year returns cannot be e-filed with TurboTax, they must be mailed. 

For tax years 2018, 2017, or 2016

You'll need to purchase and download the TurboTax software for PC or Mac as TurboTax Online and the mobile app are only available for the current tax year.

After installing the software, open it and follow the onscreen instructions.

Prior year returns must be paper-filed, as e-filing is no longer available. We'll walk you through that process when you get to the File section in the software.

[Critter]

@bluedeb @xmasbaby0@DoninGA 

LOL ... hello all ... I see we are all happy to answer a simple non stimulus related question ...  🤑

[bluedeb]

@Critter  LOL, I guess we all had the same idea.  Keep Safe!