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July 9, 2020
Question

Can I E-file my 2018 W2 for free on turbotax? Or any other site?

  • July 9, 2020
  • 2 replies
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I would like to file my 2018 W2 online ASAP. Is there any place to do this for free? 

    2 replies

    Employee
    July 9, 2020

    No.  You cannot use the online program for a 2018 tax return.  Online is only for 2019.

    You need desktop software downloaded to a full PC or Mac for 2018.

     

    Online preparation and e-filing for 2016, 2017 and 2018 is permanently closed.

    To file a return for a prior tax year

    If you need to prepare a return for 2016, 2017, or 2018 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.

    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.

    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.

     

     

    Or---you can get the paper forms and prepare the return by hand to mail in.

     

    2018 Form 1040, Schedules and Instructions

     

    https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040--2018.pdf
     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

     

     

    As for any other free sites for a past year return--you will need to research or google that for 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.**
    July 9, 2020

    Thank you for e a quick reply!

    July 9, 2020

    2018 can not be e-filed with TT.  you must purchase desktop software - PC or MAC - if you do not have a CD drive you must download the program.  if you need state that's extra. as to any other personal software, don't know if you can e-file with them.  professionals can file prior years because their software is set up to handle such situations but then there's the cost.