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February 15, 2023
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Filing 2021 tax return

  • February 15, 2023
  • 2 replies
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I'm trying to file my 2021 by tomorrow to meet my extension deadline (15 Feb). One screen in Turbotax premium says I can't e-file for 2021 (too late), but when I click continue, the next screen asks if I want to e-file (recommends e-file) and allows me to select e-file. Can I e-file, or not?

    Best answer by DavidD66

    Prior-year returns must be paper-filed, as e-filing is no longer available for them.  For more information, see the following TurboTax Help article:

     

    How do I file a 2021, 2020, or 2019 tax return?

    2 replies

    DavidD66Answer
    February 15, 2023

    Prior-year returns must be paper-filed, as e-filing is no longer available for them.  For more information, see the following TurboTax Help article:

     

    How do I file a 2021, 2020, or 2019 tax return?

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    December 28, 2023

    2021tax form 

    Employee
    December 28, 2023

    @derebewaddisu1 You did not post a complete question--so we do not know if you mean you need to prepare and file a 2021 return or if you mean you are trying to find a copy of your 2021 return that you already prepared and filed using TurboTax.

     

    If you are trying to find your filed 2021 return:

     

      You have to access your own account and/or  print it for yourself using exactly the same account and user ID that you used when you prepared the return.

     

    Start a 2023 return online and enter some personal information  so that the menu on the left opens up and lets you access your past year returns.

     

    https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/prior-year-return/help/how-do-i-access-my-prior-year-return/01/27010

     

    Many people have multiple TT accounts and forget how to access them.  Log out of the account you are in now.

     

    Account Recovery

    https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1901535-forgot-your-turbotax-online-user-id-or-password

    Or did you use the desktop version of TurboTax?  If so, the files are on your own hard drive or any backup device you used like a flash drive.

     

    https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1901486-how-many-turbotax-accounts-do-i-have

     

     

    To get a copy of your previously filed returns prepared with online TurboTax https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1900748-how-do-i-get-a-copy-of-a-return-i-filed-in-turbotax-online

     

    https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1901659-find-your-tax-data-file-in-mac

    https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1900721-find-your-tax-data-file-tax-file-in-windows

     

     

     

    You can get a free transcript from the IRS or for a fee of $43, an actual copy of your tax return.

    https://www.irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript

    https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f4506.pdf

     

     

     

    SAVE YOUR TAX RETURN !

     

    EVERY year before mid-October you should save a copy of your tax return as a pdf and print a copy of it for your records.  That way you will not be searching online frantically when you need it for a lender, FAFSA forms, your next tax return, etc. 

    https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1900937-why-should-i-save-a-pdf-copy-of-my-return

    https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1899779-what-s-the-difference-between-the-tax-data-file-and-the-pdf-file

     

    https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1912466-how-do-i-save-my-return-as-a-pdf-in-the-turbotax-software-for-windows

     

     

    NOTE:  TurboTax and the IRS save returns for seven years.  Returns older than seven years are purged.

    **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.**
    Employee
    December 28, 2023

    @derebewaddisu1 

     

    If you still need to prepare and file 2021:

     

    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/00/25573 

     

    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.

    **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.**