Why do I have to pay for a program that I will only use once and you will change me to file since I need to file last years taxes

[juana2]

Need to do my 2019-20 taxes but I was told that I needed purchase software.  OK but... I already did all the work before so why can't I use get that

[SweetieJean]

Did you start a 2019 return in TT online, but never finished it?

[juana2]

Yes I did

[DaveF1006]

If you are using a software version of the program such as basic, these are not free. 

[VolvoGirl]

Did you pay for 2019 online version?  You can ask for the Desktop program to finish,

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.

If you want to file for free you can fill out the forms by hand. Here are some basic forms…..

Here is the IRS 2019 Form 1040
https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040--2019.pdf

or if you want bigger type use 1040SR for Seniors,
https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040s--2019.pdf

And 2019 Instructions https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/i1040gi--2019.pdf

2019 Tax and EIC Tables
https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/i1040tt--2019.pdf

Sch 1 : https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040s1--2019.pdf
Sch 2 : https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040s2--2019.pdf
Sch 3 : https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040s3--2019.pdf

Then when you do file 2020 enter 0 for the 2019 AGI since you are filing 2019 late.

I have links for other years too.