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March 26, 2025
Question

Do I need to file previous years not filed yet before doing 2024?

  • March 26, 2025
  • 1 reply
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I did not file in 2023 and may have missed a year or 2 prior. I need to determine what years were missed.

1 reply

March 26, 2025

Check your online IRS account to see what years you missed filing.   Or check to see what years the IRS has transcripts for returns you filed.

 

https://www.irs.gov/payments/your-online-account

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

 

 

Each tax year has to be filed separately using the forms for the specific tax year.  They cannot be combined in any way--do not even put them in the same envelope when you mail them.  Software for past years is available back to 2021.  Any earlier years can only be prepared on paper forms by hand--and those refunds have been forfeited now.

 

 

It might be better for you to seek local paid tax help in a situation when you are several years behind in filing your tax returns.  Do you even have all of the documents you will need to enter and show your income—like your W-2’s and any 1099’s?

 

 

You cannot change the tax year.   The current online program is for 2024 only.   Only a 2024 return can be prepared online and only a 2024 return can be e-filed.

 

Online preparation and e-filing for 2021, 2022, and  2023 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 2021, 2022, or 2023  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/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/state-taxes/contact-state-department-revenue/L9qVToi02_US_en_US?uid=m6e06um0

 

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 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.**