I haven't filed taxes since 2020 … how do I fix this?

I used Turbotax in the past, but when I tried to file in 2020, there was some kind of error, and it wouldn’t go through. Now I’m behind on my taxes and need to get caught up. What’s the best way to fix this?

You’ll need to paper file for the past years. Tax professionals can e-file 2021 and later, but anything before that has to be mailed in. Just a heads-up, e-filing for everyone closes on November 30th and reopens in late January or early February. After that, pros will only be able to e-file the most recent years.

@Ash
Got it, thanks for the explanation.

Wait, so you haven’t filed for 2020 through 2023, or does this go back even further?

Leith said:
Wait, so you haven’t filed for 2020 through 2023, or does this go back even further?

No, 2019 was filed. It’s just 2020 through 2023 that I haven’t done yet.

Jamie said:

Leith said:
Wait, so you haven’t filed for 2020 through 2023, or does this go back even further?

No, 2019 was filed. It’s just 2020 through 2023 that I haven’t done yet.

Do you have everything you need, like W-2s and other documents, to complete those returns?

@Leith
I might, but I’d have to dig through my stuff. If not, I’ll need to figure out how to get copies.

Jamie said:
@Leith
I might, but I’d have to dig through my stuff. If not, I’ll need to figure out how to get copies.

Are you planning to do them yourself, or are you thinking about hiring someone?

@Leith
I’d like to try myself first, but I’ll consider hiring help if it gets too complicated. I’m guessing hiring a pro for multiple years won’t be cheap.

Jamie said:
@Leith
I’d like to try myself first, but I’ll consider hiring help if it gets too complicated. I’m guessing hiring a pro for multiple years won’t be cheap.

You can get transcripts of all your income documents from the IRS here: Get your tax records and transcripts | Internal Revenue Service.

Some notes:

  • The transcripts won’t include state info, so if you need state returns, you’ll have to contact your employers or state tax agencies.
  • The IRS transcripts are partially redacted for security, so you’ll need to request unmasked versions by calling the IRS if you need full details.

Once you have everything, I recommend using freetaxusa for past years: https://www.freetaxusa.com/prior-year. You’ll need to print and mail each return, so work on one year at a time. Be sure to use your current address, attach W-2s or transcripts, and sign the forms in blue ink. Mail them to the correct IRS address: Where to file paper tax returns with or without a payment | Internal Revenue Service. Separate envelopes for each year and certified mail are a good idea.

Refunds for 2019 and 2020 are likely lost due to deadlines, but you should still file. For 2021-2023, double-check any direct deposit info. If you owe taxes, expect penalties and interest.

Processing times for paper returns can be long, especially near the end of the year, so be patient. You might also get letters asking you to verify your identity. That’s normal.

@Leith
This is perfect, thank you! This gives me a solid starting point.

@Leith
Just a note—only federal returns go to that address. State returns will have different mailing addresses depending on the state.

Jamie said:
@Leith
I might, but I’d have to dig through my stuff. If not, I’ll need to figure out how to get copies.

You can pull transcripts online from the IRS site. That might save you some digging.

If you don’t have all your records, start by requesting IRS transcripts for those years. They’ll show things like W-2s and 1099s. Once you have that info, you can use tax software or prepare your returns manually. Just make sure to account for anything missing like ACA subsidies (if you used a health exchange plan). Filing starts with the earliest year and works forward. If you had refunds owed in one year, you can apply it to taxes due in the next to reduce penalties.

@Nico
Great advice, thanks for breaking it down.

Once e-filing closes for a year, you’ll need to use older versions of TurboTax to print and mail your returns. If the IRS owes you refunds, you might have lost the chance to claim them if too much time has passed. But if you owe, interest and penalties have been adding up. Don’t wait—get it sorted now. If you can’t pay in full, set up a payment plan.

@Arley
What’s a payment plan?

I’ve been in a similar boat, working on filing 5 years at once. Freetaxusa has been helpful—it’s simple and affordable. If you owe money, you can pay it or set up a payment plan. It’s not fun, but it’s doable.

@Finley
Thanks for the tip! I’m fortunate that I usually get refunds, so it’s more about catching up than owing. But I just want to put this behind me and move forward.

Jamie said:
@Finley
Thanks for the tip! I’m fortunate that I usually get refunds, so it’s more about catching up than owing. But I just want to put this behind me and move forward.

Good news—refunds can still be claimed for up to 3 years, so you might not have lost all of it. Just a heads-up, Freetaxusa charges $15 for state returns.