Is it too late to claim refund for 2021 tax returns?

Forum|Forum|1 year ago
August 27, 2024
3 replies
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I am about to file my 2021 tax returns, and am wondering if I will still get my refund or is it already past the deadline / grace period?

Best answer by NCPERSON1

@pearl12970 - the deadline for 2021 tax year is April 15, 2025 - you have some time left

the final deadline to obtain a refund is always three years from the original tax deadline

NCPERSON1Answer

@pearl12970 - the deadline for 2021 tax year is April 15, 2025 - you have some time left

the final deadline to obtain a refund is always three years from the original tax deadline

xmasbaby0

Employee

A 2021 tax return must be filed by mail; it cannot be e-filed. If you want to prepare your 2021 return using TurboTax software:

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.

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.

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.

**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.**

lnk-fr

Generally it's 4/15/2025 but it's unclear if if 10/15/2025 if you filed for the extension.

Have you ever filed before? (not refund claim)
It seems to depend on that.

NCPERSON1

@lnk-fr if you filed for an extension for the 2021 tax year back in April 2022 and it was accepted, then the deadline to claim a refund for the 2021 tax year is Oct 15, 2025.

lnk-fr

Do you have the irs publication that states this so I can show my accountant? Thank you! @NCPERSON1

megaritzmom

It's true that you have 3 years from the date the taxes were due to file your federal return and still receive a refund. In Oklahoma, however, they say that you can't get money back that was sent to them more than 3 years ago. So if the last withholding or payment with coupon was sent in December, 2021, and you file in January, 2025 or later, too bad. You are still supposed to file a return though even if it's too late for a refund unless you are exempt.

lnk-fr

I'm not a tax pro and still getting others to take a look, but technically it's 3 years from the date you filed the return, and not the due date.
Then, they have a lookback period of 3 years (plus extension if you automatically qualified as expat or applied for the october one) BUT they'll only refund you what you paid during the lookback period.
https://www.irs.gov/filing/time-you-can-claim-a-credit-or-refund

If you filed a return 10 years after the April/Oct due date and made payments 2 years before filing, you'd still be able to get a refund from that payment.