How Can You File Taxes from Previous Years?
Understanding how to file taxes from previous years can be a crucial task, especially if you missed the deadline or need to correct any errors. Whether you’re dealing with a simple mistake or a more complex situation, here’s a detailed guide to help you navigate the process.
Why File Taxes from Previous Years?
There are several reasons why you might need to file taxes from previous years:
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Missed the deadline: If you didn’t file your taxes on time, you may still need to do so to avoid penalties and interest.
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Amendments: You might have discovered an error in your previous year’s tax return that needs to be corrected.
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Refund: If you’re eligible for a refund from a previous year, you’ll need to file a tax return to claim it.
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Financial aid: For students, filing taxes from previous years is often necessary to apply for financial aid.
What You’ll Need
Before you start the process, gather the following documents:
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Previous year’s tax return: This will serve as a reference for your current year’s return.
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W-2 forms: These forms provide income information from your employer.
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1099 forms: These forms provide information on other types of income, such as dividends, interest, and self-employment income.
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Bank statements: You may need to verify your account information.
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Previous year’s tax transcripts: You can request these from the IRS to ensure you have the correct information.
Options for Filing Taxes from Previous Years
There are several ways to file taxes from previous years:
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Online tax software: Many tax software programs allow you to file previous year’s taxes. Some popular options include TurboTax, H&R Block, and TaxAct.
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IRS Free File: If your income is below a certain threshold, you may be eligible to use the IRS Free File program to file your taxes for free.
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CPA or tax preparer: If you’re not comfortable filing your taxes on your own, consider hiring a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or a tax preparer.
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IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers: You can visit an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center for help with filing your taxes from previous years.
Steps to File Taxes from Previous Years
Follow these steps to file taxes from previous years:
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Choose a filing method: Decide whether you’ll use online tax software, IRS Free File, a CPA, a tax preparer, or visit an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center.
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Enter your information: Enter your personal information, including your name, Social Security number, and address.
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Enter your income and deductions: Enter your income, deductions, and credits from the previous year.
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Review your return: Double-check your information for accuracy and completeness.
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Submit your return: Follow the instructions provided by your chosen filing method to submit your tax return.
Table: Filing Deadlines for Previous Years
| Year | Original Filing Deadline | Extension Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | April 15, 2020 | October 15, 2020 |
| 2019 | April 15, 2019 | October 15, 2019 |
| 2018 | April 15, 2018 | October 15, 2018 |
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