Last years taxes

[WhitneyShourd]

I just filed last years taxes now, and it thinks it was for this year(I used the app). I didn’t see an option for entering a different year. Is this going to be a problem when I file this years taxes soon? 

[VolvoGirl]

Yes, that's a big problem.  Online is only for 2019.  You have to wait and see if your efile gets accepted after Jan 27.  If they reject it for something you can change it around to be for 2019

But if they accept it you need to wait some more for it to fully process and you get the first refund.  Then you need to Mail in an Amended 1040X return to change it to be for 2019.

You can check your efile status here after the IRS opens on Jan 27,

https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tools/efile-status-lookup/

How to amend an Online return   https://ttlc.intuit.com/replies/7276596

Amended returns can only be MAILED not efiled. 

Then You still need to do 2018. Online is only for 2019. Oct 15, 2019 was the last day to efile.  2018 is now the prior year.

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-...

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.

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...


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

[xmasbaby0]

It is a BIG problem.  And you cannot do one thing to fix it until the IRS begins to reject/accept returns on January 27.  Do not try to change anything yet.

 You mean you used the current online software to prepare a 2018 tax return?  You have a problem.  The online software is ONLY for 2019 tax returns.  So you have used the wrong program and filed an incorrect return. 

If you get lucky and the IRS rejects the return you just e-filed, you will be able to correct it and re-submit it.  Cross your fingers for a rejection.   BUT the IRS will not even begin to accept/reject returns until January 27, 2020.

If the IRS accepts it, then you are going to have to wait until they fully process your wrong-year tax return and then amend it with the correct 2019 tax information.

Amending a tax return requires that you complete a form called a 1040X which becomes available in mid to late February; it then takes the IRS 3-4 month to process the 1040X.  So it will be a long time before you are able to get a refund for your 2018 tax return.

Meanwhile, in order to correctly file your 2018 tax return, you have to use the desktop software which you download or install from a 2018 CD. That software can only be installed on a full PC or Mac—no mobile devices. You use your 2018 information and prepare a return which has to be printed, signed and mailed.

To purchase 2018 software:  https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/past-years-products/

Everything you do to correct this is going to require printing, signing and mailing the correct paperwork. 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. 

Wait until you see what you have to do with your e-filed return before you mail in anything for 2018.  Post back here for further help if you need it.