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August 12, 2020
Question

How far back can I file or should I file? I don't owe money but should have some money coming back

  • August 12, 2020
  • 1 reply
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Can i file past years with Turbo tax?

1 reply

VolvoGirl
Employee
August 12, 2020

Turbo Tax sells the last 3 years so currently back to 2016.

 

Sorry, Online for 2018 and prior is closed now so you can not start a new 2018 return or finish one. Online is only for 2019. Oct 15, 2019 was the last day to efile.  2018 is now the prior year.

Did you start an Online return? 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-started-in-turbotax-online/00/26322

Or How to file a prior year
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/using-turbotax/help/how-do-i-prepare-a-prior-year-tax-return/00/25984

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.

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


And I have the links for other years too.

 

 

VolvoGirl
Employee
August 12, 2020

How do you know you should have refunds?  Have you filled out the returns?  You only have 3 years to file for a refund so you better hurry to get 2016.  Not sure when the 3 years are up.

Critter-3
August 12, 2020

The 2016 refund is now forfeited ... so file 2017 thru 2019 for the refunds.