Will I get in trouble for filing my W-2 from last year with this year's form? I was told that if last year was missed, I still had to file or face a penalty.

[fashley764-gmail]

I was told that I'd have to file the old W-2 within the span of 3 to 5 years or face penalties so I went ahead and filed my 2023 W-2 with my 2024 but now I'm not sure if I should have done so.

[MarilynG1]

Yes, when filing your taxes for 2023, you only want to report documents dated 2023.

If you didn't file your W-2 for 2022, you can still go back and file a 2022 return to report it.   Click this link for instructions on How to File a Prior Year Return. 

You will probably get a letter from the IRS when they realize that you filed a 2022 W-2 with your 2023 return.

Or, you could wait until you get your expected refund, then Amend your 2023 return to delete the wrong W-2 and add the correct one.

Here's details on How to Amend a Tax Return. 

[xmasbaby0]

First---you are confusing the tax years.   The tax year that everyone is preparing and filing now---and which the current online software program is for----is tax year 2023.  That is the tax year that just ended on December 31, 2023.  2023 returns are prepared and filed in 2024.  So you should only enter income received in 2023 in the current online program.

No one will file a 2024 tax return until next year in 2025.

If you have a W-2 or more than one W-2 from earlier tax years, those W-2's have to be filed on the forms for the specific year in which the income was received.  The tax year is on the W-2.   Look carefully.   Each tax year has different forms and different tax laws.   You have to use the right forms and right software so that your tax for the specific year is calculated correctly.

If you do not owe or are getting a refund there is no penalty for filing the return past the deadline, but you have three years from the deadline to file or you forfeit your refund.

 If you owe tax due, you owe it forever--no matter from how long ago---with penalties and interest that keeps increasing.

You cannot change the tax year.   The current online program is for 2023 only.   Only a 2023 return can be prepared online and only a 2023 return can be e-filed.

Online preparation and e-filing for 2020, 2021, and  2022 is permanently closed.

To file a return for a prior tax year

 If you need to prepare a return for 2020, 2021, or 2022  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.