Question

Does anyone know how get back 2017 taxes? I haven't finished 2017 and was almost done, then had a bunch of life happened now I can't figure out how to get back there.

Forum|Forum|5 years ago
July 12, 2020
3 replies
0 views

I also had already paid in $1000 tp fed. I can get to 2018 and 2019 just fine, (they aren't done either. Thanks

TurboTax Deluxe Online

Employee

Online TurboTax can only prepare a 2019 return at this point in time. For a 2017 return, if you want to use TurboTax, you'll need to use 2017 desktop software (CD/download). And the 2017 return cannot be efiled; it has to be printed and filed by mail. I'll also tell you another option at the end of this post if you want to prepare it manually with forms and instructions from the IRS.

Did you already start a 2017 return online a couple of years ago prior to the 2017 online shutdown, and want to finish that one without starting over? If so, you can download the *.tax2017 data file from your account and finish it in the 2017 desktop software. If you already paid for your 2017 product previously, TurboTax Support should furnish you the software.

Otherwise, you can purchase 2017 desktop software as a download at this page and install it on your computer. Then you can download the *.tax2017 data file you started 2 years ago and finish it in the desktop software.

https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/past-years-products/2017

Minimum system requirements for Windows version:
https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1901571-minimum-system-requirements-for-turbotax-windows-software

Minimum system requirements for Mac version:
https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1899173-minimum-system-requirements-for-turbotax-mac-software

The 2017 return cannot be efiled. It will need to be printed, signed, dated, and mailed. It's a good idea to mail by a method that has tracking, such as certified mail, priority mail, etc.

If you have both Federal and state returns, you need to mail each one separately to its respective tax agency.

If you are due a Federal refund, in "normal times" it would take about 6 weeks for the IRS to process a mailed return and deliver the refund. But these are not normal times, so expect possible delays due to the Coronavirus situation.

OR another option is to download the 2017 forms and instructions for free from the IRS website and fill them out manually.

https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/prior-year

M

mesquitebean

Employee

@ Twosox also wrote: "I can get to 2018 and 2019 just fine, (they aren't done either.)"

I'm not sure what you mean in regards to "getting to 2018." Online TurboTax can only prepare a 2019 return at this point in time. For a 2018 return, if you want to use TurboTax, you'll need to use 2018 desktop software (CD/download).

M

mesquitebean

Employee

@ Twosox wrote: "I haven't finished 2017 and was almost done, then had a bunch of life happened now I can't figure out how to get back there. I can get to 2018 and 2019 just fine (they aren't done either)."

I'm not sure if "can't figure out how to get back there" (for 2017) means you are not able to find the account with the started 2017 return or not. Are you asking how to locate the proper account to find the 2017 return so you can download the *.tax2017 data file to finish your 2017 return? Many people end up with multiple accounts without realizing it. When you log in, scroll down to "Your Tax Returns & Documents". Expand that section, and choose tax year 2017. If there's no evidence of a 2017 return there, we can tell you how to look for multiple accounts.

As I mentioned in my comments above, the 2017 and 2018 returns can only be prepared in desktop software--you need separate software for each year.

T

trendawillcuttbriska

KEEPS GOING BACK TO 2020 TAX FORMAT WHEN I LOG IN

macuser_22

Employee

@trendawillcuttbriska wrote:

KEEPS GOING BACK TO 2020 TAX FORMAT WHEN I LOG IN

TurboTax online and e-file for 2019 ended on Oct 15, 2020. 2019 (and earlier tax years) can now only be completed using the CD/download software installed on a Mac or Windows computer. The return must be printed, signed and mailed.

2017-2019 software can be purchased here:
https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/past-years-products/

See this TurboTax help article:

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/prior-year-return/help/how-do-i-finish-a-prior-year-return-that-i-started-in-turbotax-online/01/26322

"How do I finish a prior-year return that I started in TurboTax Online?

If you started your 2017, 2018 or 2019 return in TurboTax Online but weren't able to file it before the shutdown, you can finish and paper-file it in the TurboTax download software for PC or Mac.

Start by purchasing and downloading the software and install it on your computer. If you're also filing a state, be sure to download and install the corresponding state program (PC instructions | Mac instructions).

1. Now sign in at TurboTax.com using the same login you used to prepare your prior-year return.
If you don't remember it, try account recovery. Still no luck? Then just start over in the TurboTax software you downloaded and skip the rest of these instructions.

2. Under Your tax returns & documents, select Download .tax file (not the PDF) for the prior year you want and save it to your computer.

3. Back in the CD/download software, select Find a Tax File, and then browse to the tax data file you downloaded in the previous step.

4. Select the file and click Open.

5 . You can now finish up in the software. Your return will need to be paper-filed, as e-filing prior years is no longer available."

**Disclaimer: This post is for discussion purposes only and is NOT tax advice. The author takes no responsibility for the accuracy of any information in this post.**