I need to file my 2018 taxes and am aware only a tax specialist can e- file it, can TurboTax help me file my 2018?? Even if it's done by a specialist, If I MUST, I will mail it in and do it myself BUT

[VolvoGirl · Accepted solution]

Right 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.

[glgro]

When sending 2018 by mail this year, when is it safe to e-file 2019? Please help! I can't seem to get an answer anywhere :( @VolvoGirl 

[xmasbaby0 · Accepted solution]

@glgro Not sure what you mean by "safe" to file your 2019 return.  There is nothing unsafe about going ahead and filing your 2019 return.  Since you filed 2018 late, you will not have a 2018 AGI to help you e-file 2019, because it will not be in the system this year--ever.    So you can try using "zero" as your 2018 AGI.  If zero does not work then you have to print, sign and mail your 2019 return.

[Carl]

can  TurboTax help me file my 2018?

No, not e-file it. In order to e-file a 2018 tax return you would have to locate and hire a CPA or EA in your local jurisdiction to complete and e-file your tax return for you. You can not e-file a prior year tax return with *ANY* version or *ANY* flavor of TurboTax for *ANY* prior tax year. Period.

A CPA or EA may (or may not) have commercial tax preparation and filing software that will allow them to e-file a prior year tax return. You can fully expect it to cost you significantly more than a postage stamp though.

[fanfare]

e-File : not important

2018 software on your computer : important

Just buy, install and do your tax return as usual.