Taxes

[5344298]

I filed an extension for October 16th for last year's taxes. Within the last few or more years there's been lots of tragedy with death in the family and unexpected expenses simultaneously therefore years before and last year's have not been filed what I need to know is how can I file multiple years under low income and not get charged a lot

[LoriLeighEA]

@5344298 I am so sorry for your losses. It sounds like it has been a tough few years.  In this TurboTax link it explains why and how to file prior year tax returns:

https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tips/irs-tax-return/how-do-i-file-back-tax-returns/L535BxMms

You can still do 2022 online with us. 2021 and earlier you would need to download our desktop version:

https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/tax-return/prepare-2020-2019-2018-tax-re....)

Here is an IRS link that may help you also:

https://apps.irs.gov/app/freeFile

Just take it one return at a time, @5344298 

[Emack_EA]

Hello @5344298 ,

Some people require an extension because life events—an illness, a death in the family, or a natural disaster—have interfered with their ability to file on time which is the situation you are in right now.

Traditionally, federal tax returns are due on April 15 or the first business day thereafter if the 15th is on a weekend or holiday. However, the IRS does grant you an automatic extension to file your taxes every year, as long as you complete Form 4868. Unfortunately, even if you obtain an extension to file, you must still pay your income tax in full by the tax deadline. If you fail to pay on time, you may face penalties and interest.

Regardless of when you file your tax return, if you do not pay the tax you owe by the tax filing deadline, the IRS penalties can be severe. The IRS will charge you one-half percent each month on the amount of tax you still owe after the deadline.

If you fail to file a return altogether by the extension date, the IRS penalty increases to 5 percent per month, for a maximum penalty of 25 percent. An easy way to avoid the penalty is to make a tax payment with your debit card before the filing deadline. When you do, this payment method serves as your extension application and you will not have to file Form 4868.

Please note that you may request an abatement by filing Form 843 and explain your situation using this link (https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-843), only the IRS agent is capable to make a final determination on your case. 

I hope that help.

[xmasbaby0]

Sorry to hear about your misfortunes and losses.   And....sorry, but there is not a way to file for free for 2021 using TurboTax.    

Each tax year has to be filed separately using the forms for the specific tax year.  They cannot be combined in any way--do not even put them in the same envelope when you mail them.  Software for past years is available back to 2019.  Any earlier years can only be prepared on paper forms by hand--and those refunds have been forfeited now.

The current online program can only be used for a 2022 return--no other year.  And if you did not file a 2021 return you will have trouble e-filing 2022.  When it asks for your 2021 AGI try using zero.  If zero does not work then you have to print, sign and mail 2022

Online preparation and e-filing for 2019 and 2020 and 2021 is permanently closed.

To file a return for a prior tax year

 If you need to prepare a return for 2019, 2020 or 2021 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.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/state-taxes/help/how-do-i-contact-my-state-department-of-revenue/0... 

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 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.

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.