Filing back taxes

[DLVWarner]

I need to file taxes from 2010 to 2019 can I do it with Turbo Tax or should I contact a consultation group?  If so is there a group you recommend?

[GiseleD]

You can file tax years 2018, 2017, or 2016 with TurboTax. It is best to start with the first unfiled year and move forward from there. To learn how, see this original article, or read below to prepare a prior-year tax return:

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.

However, we no longer sell or support TurboTax products for 2015 and earlier tax years. See this article for alternative methods to file an older return.

We are not able to recommend a specific tax pro to file prior-year returns. You may want to consult with a local CPA, EA, or Tax Attorney for guidance. 

[joshuafitts]

If I need to file multiple years for instance 2015-2018, I know 2015 has to be mailed in.  But if I need to file all of those years can I buy a single program to file all years or do I have to purchase a different program for each one?  Every time I click on the years I need it for it seems to be offering another program for that year.  I am so confused.

[VolvoGirl]

Sorry you have to do each year separately.

Sorry, Online for 2018 and prior is closed now so you can not start a new 2018 return or finish one. Online is only for 2019. Oct 15, 2019 was the last day to efile.  2018 is now the prior year.

Did you start an Online return? How to finish a prior year online return
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/prior-year-return/help/how-do-i-finish-a-prior-year-return-that-i-...

Or How to file a prior year
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/using-turbotax/help/how-do-i-prepare-a-prior-year-tax-return/00/25...

You can only buy the download for prior years. You have to buy a separate program for each year. They only sell the last 3 years. You need a full Windows or Mac computer to install it on. Buy the download here
https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/past-years-products/

You have to print and mail prior year returns. 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 received the return. Don’t forget state.

Important! Mail Federal and State in separate envelopes and mail each year in separate envelopes.

If you are getting a refund, there is not a penalty for filing past the deadline. You have 3 years to file for a refund. 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.

Or If you have a simple return You can fill out the blank forms for free.
Here is the IRS 2018 Form 1040
https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040--2018.pdf

And 2018 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)
Sch 1 : https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040s1--2018.pdf
Sch 2 : https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040s2--2018.pdf
Sch 3 : https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040s3--2018.pdf
Sch 4 : https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040s4--2018.pdf
Sch 5 : https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040s5--2018.pdf
Sch 6 : https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040s6--2018.pdf


And I have the links for other years too.

[VolvoGirl]

How complicated are your returns?  If you need to buy the 2016 program better get it quick before they stop supporting it, probably in October.

They don't sell 2015 anymore but you can fill out the forms.

Here are some blank forms & instructions for 2015

1040 https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040--2015.pdf     

Instructions https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/i1040gi--2015.pdf

1040A https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040a--2015.pdf    

Instructions https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/i1040a--2015.pdf

1040EZ https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040ez--2015.pdf    

Instructions https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/i1040ez--2015.pdf

2015 Tax Tables https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/i1040tt--2015.pdf

Publication 17 Tax Guide for 2015 https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/p17--2015.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.

[fanfare]

Of the three major tax software outfits, at least one still offers back to 2012 software.

Don't be confused -- each year requires its own separate program.

[VolvoGirl]

If you use Turbo Tax for 2016 you can transfer it into 2017 and then transfer 2017 into 2019.  FYI - it is too late to get a refund for 2015 and maybe for 2016.