Electronically filing prior tax returns in 2023 using turbo tax

[Harry51]

I have the Turbo Tax desktop software for each year; I did each prior years' tax returns. 

1) Using Turbo Tax 2019 Premier, can I electronically file my 2019 federal and Illinois State taxes in 2023?

2) Using Turbo Tax 2020 Deluxe, can I electronically file my 2020 federal and Illinois State taxes in 2023?

3) Using Turbo Tax 2021 Deluxe, can I electronically file my 2021 federal and Illinois State taxes in 2023?

[xmasbaby0]

Only a 2022 tax return can be e-filed.  You cannot e-file any earlier year from TurboTax.  Those returns must be printed, signed and dated in ink, and mailed in.

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  -- and separate tax years   ----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.

[Harry51]

I know the IRS allows efiling from previous years. So, to confirm your reply, efiling previous years returns is not a feature of Turbo Tax. Ergo, to file 2019, 2020, and 2021 taxes completed in Turbo Tax, they have to be mailed in.

What if I don't have any corroborating documentation? My new son in law hasn't done his taxes in the past. I had to go to his transcripts on the IRS website to get the information I used to fill out his previous years.

Thanks for your help

[xmasbaby0 · Accepted solution]

@Harry51 So you are doing a favor for a new son in law who has not filed returns in a few years?   You can use wage and income transcripts for federal information but those will not help you with state tax information if he is in a state with a state income tax.  He could do some "homework" himself to seek copies of past year W-2's and 1099's.   He could phone, email, snail mail or drop in on past employers to ask for copies of W-2's.   He could seek copies of past 1099's from banks or financial institutions that issued them.  

Each tax year has to be mailed separately.  Do not put them in the same envelope or you risk that the IRS will overlook one.     His 2019 needs to be sent before April 18, 2023 or he forfeits that refund.

Of course, if he owes tax due, the IRS will bill him later for penalties and interest.  TurboTax will not calculate the penalties or interest.   The IRS does that when they receive his return.

Ultimately, you are doing your new SIL a huge favor.   His lack of saving tax documents and records is on him.  So do the best you can to send in as much as possible and see what the IRS does with all of it.    HE must sign and date each of those returns and mail them in.  They cannot be e-filed.

Only a paid tax pro can e-file some past year returns.  It cannot be done using the do-it-yourself TurboTax software.   You could, of course, suggest that he go to a tax pro and pay for them to help him.

[Harry51]

Thanks for your help. I will print his returns and direct him to mail them in.