What if I do not file my tax return?
https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/2572308-what-happens-if-i-don-t-file-my-taxes
So---if you have not filed a tax return for at least four years, it sounds like you may have cheated yourself out of the stimulus checks for 2020 and 2021. It is now too late to get that money for 2020----it would have amounted to $1800 if you were eligible and filed a 2020 return. It is not too late for the $1400 for 2021 if you file a 2021 return by April 15, 2025.
Before you can prepare or file tax returns you would have to do some homework yourself and obtain your W-2's from the employers you worked for. Or you can use wage and income transcripts from the IRS which will help for federal -- but not state--tax returns.
W-2’s come from employers. There is not a federal or national website that provides W-2’s.
You might need to phone, drop in, email and/or snail mail an old employer to make sure they know where to send your W-2.
You can get a wage and income transcript from the IRS: It will not show the actual W-2, 1099’s, etc, but will show the income information the IRS received. It will not, however, show your state information. It will only show the federal information.
https://www.irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript
Or...
Pay Social Security $62 per tax year for your W-2’s.:
https://faq.ssa.gov/en-US/Topic/article/KA-02501
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 2021. 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 2024 return--no other year.
You cannot change the tax year. The current online program is for 2024 only. Only a 2024 return can be prepared online and only a 2024 return can be e-filed.
Online preparation and e-filing for 2021, 2022, and 2023 is permanently closed.
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.
To file a return for a prior tax year
If you need to prepare a return for 2021, 2022, or 2023 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 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.
Refunds for tax years 2020 or earlier have been forfeited and will not be paid to you even if shown on the tax return form. But if you owe tax due, you will still have to pay, and you will be billed later for the interest and penalties owed. TurboTax will not calculate the penalties or interest. That will be done by the IRS/state after they receive your return with your payment of the tax due as shown on the tax form(s).
Going forward----do better---and keep records of where you work and keep track of your W-2's yourself.
**Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to offer the most correct information possible. The poster disclaims any legal responsibility for the accuracy of the information that is contained in this post.**
