I was going through a divorce in 2017 and forgot to file my taxes for that year. Where can find the proper forms to fill out for that year so I can file?

[chefdick2]

I was going through a divorce and forgot to file my taxes for 2017 and would like to take care of this. Can I still do that with Turbotax and if so where do I find the forms to fill out and send in?

[Carl]

Understand that you flat out can not use the online version to file a prior year tax return. You will have to purchase the CD version and physically install it on your Windows or Mac computer. Additionally, you can not e-file a prior year tax return. The IRS says so. You will have to print it, sign it, and mail it to the IRS.

To get TurboTax 2017 you can go to https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/past-years-products/ and purchase the CD version of TurboTax 2017 there.

MAKE SURE YOU ARE UNDER THE RIGHT TAB FOR THE TAX YEAR YOU NEED.

If you purchase the CD version for 2018 by mistake, then you own it.  Also make sure you purchase the correct version for your specific operating system. If you own a MAC, and you purchase the Windows version, you own it.

After you pay for the program, you will be able to download the CD installation file and install it immediately, so you don't have to wait for delivery of a physical CD.

If you have questions in the process of preparing your 2017 tax return, make absolutely certain that in any posts you make in this forum that you "CLEARLY" indicate you are working on a 2017 tax return. This is because tax law changed "DRASTICALLY" in 2018, and those changes WILL NOT apply to a 2017 tax return.

[xmasbaby0]

You say you were "going through a divorce" in 2017. If you were still legally married at the end of 2017 your filing choices are to file married filing jointly or married filing separately or--maybe--head of household if you and your spouse were apart for at least the last six months and you were the custodial parent of the children.

If you were divorced by the end of 2017, then you can either file as Single, or maybe Head of Household IF you were the custodial parent.

Am I Head of Household?

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1894553-do-i-qualify-for-head-of-household

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/2900097-what-is-a-qualifying-person-for-head-of-household

If you qualify as Head of Household, when you enter your filing status (single or married filing separately) into MyInfo, and then enter your qualifying dependent, TurboTax will offer HOH as your filing status.

Online preparation and e-filing for 2016, 2017 and 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/

You may also want to explore purchasing the software from various retailers such as Amazon, Costco, Best Buy, Walmart, Sam’s, etc.

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.

[Anonymous_]

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@Carl wrote:

...you can not e-file a prior year tax return. The IRS says so. 

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A prior year federal income tax return cannot be e-filed with TurboTax (currently); the IRS does, in fact, allow prior year returns to be e-filed.