It's already June 2025, which means the main filing deadline for 2023 taxes (April 15, 2024) has passed. However, it's absolutely still possible to file your 2023 taxes! TurboTax is a fantastic tool for this, even for late filers.
The key difference now is that you generally cannot e-file past-due tax returns through TurboTax Online. You'll likely need to use the desktop software version for 2023, then print and mail your return. But don't worry, we'll walk you through it.
Filing Your 2023 Taxes on TurboTax: A Step-by-Step Guide for Late Filers
Feeling a little overwhelmed by late taxes? Don't be! Many people find themselves in this situation. The most important thing is to file as soon as possible to minimize any potential penalties. Let's get you squared away with TurboTax.
Step 1: Acknowledge and Gather Your Documents - The Foundation of Your Filing Journey!
Before you even open TurboTax, you need to understand that the online version for 2023 is no longer available for e-filing. You'll need the desktop software.
Now, let's gather everything you'll need. This is the most crucial preliminary step! Without the right documents, you'll be flying blind. Think of it like preparing for a trip – you wouldn't leave home without your passport and tickets, right?
Income Documents:
W-2s: From every employer you had in 2023.
1099-NEC: For independent contractor or freelance income.
1099-MISC: For various other types of income (e.g., rents, royalties).
1099-INT: For interest income from banks.
1099-DIV: For dividend income.
1099-R: For retirement plan distributions (401k, IRA, pension).
SSA-1099: For Social Security benefits.
1099-G: For unemployment compensation or state tax refunds.
1099-B: For proceeds from brokerage and barter exchange transactions (stock sales).
K-1s: From partnerships, S corporations, or trusts.
Records of digital asset (cryptocurrency) transactions: If you engaged in any.
Deduction & Credit Documents (if applicable):
1098-E: For student loan interest paid.
1098-T: For tuition payments (education credits).
Mortgage interest statements (Form 1098).
Property tax records.
Charitable contribution receipts.
Medical expense records.
Childcare expenses and provider information.
Health Savings Account (HSA) contributions.
IRA contributions.
Business income and expense records: For self-employed individuals (receipts, mileage logs, bank statements).
Personal Information:
Your Social Security Number (SSN) or Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) and those of your spouse and dependents.
Date of birth for yourself, spouse, and dependents.
Your current address.
Your bank account and routing number for direct deposit of any refund (if applicable and if the IRS still allows direct deposit for late returns).
Your 2022 Adjusted Gross Income (AGI). This is often needed to verify your identity when filing, even when mailing. You can find this on your 2022 tax return. If you don't have it, you can request a tax transcript from the IRS.
Pro Tip: Organize these documents in a folder or digitally. It will make the data entry process much smoother!
Step 2: Acquire the TurboTax 2023 Desktop Software - Your Gateway to Filing Past Returns
Since you can no longer use TurboTax Online for 2023 taxes, you'll need the desktop version.
Where to Get It:
TurboTax Website: Your best bet is usually the official TurboTax website's "Past Years Products" section. They typically offer downloads for previous tax years.
Retailers: You might also find physical copies or digital download codes for TurboTax 2023 at major retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, Costco, or Walmart. Be sure it specifically states "2023" as the tax year.
Installation:
Once you've purchased and downloaded the software, follow the on-screen instructions to install it on your computer. Remember, this needs to be a full PC or Mac, not a mobile device.
Step 3: Set Up Your TurboTax Account and Start Your Return - Personalizing Your Tax Journey
Now that you have the software installed, let's get started with your return.
Launch TurboTax: Open the TurboTax 2023 software on your computer.
Create or Log In:
If you're a new user, you'll need to create a new Intuit account.
If you're a returning user, log in with your existing Intuit ID. Crucially, if you started a 2023 return online and didn't complete it, you should use the exact same account and user ID to access it through the desktop software. You may need to transfer data.
Choose Your Filing Status: TurboTax will ask about your filing status (Single, Married Filing Jointly, Married Filing Separately, Head of Household, Qualifying Widow(er)). Select the one that applied to you for the 2023 tax year.
Enter Personal Information: You'll be prompted to enter your personal details, including your SSN, date of birth, occupation, and address. Enter the information for any dependents as well.
Step 4: Input Your Income Information - Bringing Your Financial Picture to Life
This is where you'll start entering the data from all those documents you gathered. TurboTax is designed to make this as straightforward as possible, guiding you through each section.
Wages & Income Section: Navigate to the "Wages & Income" section.
Guided Entry: TurboTax uses an interview-style format. It will ask you questions about your income sources.
For W-2s, you'll be prompted to enter information from each box.
For 1099s, select the appropriate form (e.g., 1099-NEC for self-employment) and enter the details.
Self-Employment Income (Schedule C): If you had self-employment income, TurboTax will guide you through entering your gross receipts and then your business expenses. Be meticulous here – every deductible expense can lower your tax bill.
Importing Data (Limited for Prior Years): While TurboTax typically offers data import from employers and financial institutions, this feature might be limited or unavailable for past-year returns, so be prepared to manually enter most of your data.
Step 5: Claim Your Deductions and Credits - Optimizing Your Refund (or Minimizing Your Bill)
This is where you can potentially save a significant amount of money. TurboTax will ask a series of questions to help you identify applicable deductions and credits.
Deductions:
Standard Deduction vs. Itemized Deductions: TurboTax will automatically calculate both and recommend the one that gives you the biggest tax break. If you choose to itemize, you'll enter details for things like state and local taxes, mortgage interest, medical expenses, and charitable contributions.
Above-the-Line Deductions: These reduce your AGI and include things like student loan interest, self-employment tax, and IRA contributions.
Credits:
Child Tax Credit/Credit for Other Dependents: If you have qualifying children or dependents.
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC): For low to moderate-income individuals and families.
Education Credits: Such as the American Opportunity Tax Credit or Lifetime Learning Credit.
Child and Dependent Care Credit: For expenses paid for the care of a qualifying individual.
Residential Energy Credits: For energy-efficient home improvements.
And many more, depending on your situation.
Remember: Be thorough in this section. Don't leave any money on the table!
Step 6: Review and Error Check - The Critical Double-Check
Once you've entered all your information, TurboTax will perform a comprehensive review of your return. This is one of the biggest benefits of using tax software.
TurboTax's Review Process: The software will check for:
Missing information.
Potential errors.
Deductions or credits you might have missed.
Consistency issues.
Address Warnings and Errors: Pay close attention to any warnings or errors TurboTax highlights. Go back and correct or clarify the information as needed.
Review Your Forms: Take some time to look at the actual forms (Form 1040, schedules, etc.) that TurboTax has prepared. While you don't need to be a tax expert, a quick glance can sometimes catch obvious mistakes.
Step 7: Print and Mail Your 2023 Tax Return - The Final (Manual) Step
As of now, you cannot e-file a 2023 federal or state tax return through TurboTax online. This means you'll need to print and mail your completed return.
Printing Your Return:
In the TurboTax desktop software, look for the "Print Center" or a similar option.
Select to print your federal return and any state returns you need to file.
Print all necessary forms, including your Form 1040, any schedules, and supporting statements. Make sure you print two copies: one to mail and one for your records.
Sign and Date:
Crucially, sign and date your federal Form 1040. If you are filing jointly, both spouses must sign and date the return.
Sign and date any state forms as well.
Attach Supporting Documents:
For federal returns, attach copies of all W-2s and any 1099s that show federal tax withheld to your Form 1040.
For state returns, attach any state-specific forms or wage statements as instructed.
Do NOT send original documents unless specifically requested by the IRS or state tax agency.
Separate Envelopes:
Federal and state returns must be mailed in separate envelopes to different addresses.
Mailing Addresses:
TurboTax will provide the correct mailing addresses for your federal and state returns when you print them. Double-check these addresses!
You can also find federal mailing addresses on the IRS website (IRS.gov).
Send with Tracking:
It is highly recommended to send your tax returns via a mailing service that provides tracking, such as USPS Certified Mail, UPS, or FedEx. This gives you proof that your return was sent and received.
Step 8: Address Any Tax Due - Paying Up (If Applicable)
If your 2023 tax return shows that you owe money, you'll need to pay that amount even though you're filing late.
Payment Options:
IRS Direct Pay: The easiest way to pay federal taxes is directly from your bank account through IRS Direct Pay on the IRS website.
Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS): Another IRS-run electronic payment option.
Check or Money Order: You can mail a check or money order with Form 1040-V (Payment Voucher).
Debit Card, Credit Card, or Digital Wallet: Through third-party processors, often with a fee.
State Tax Payment: Check your state's Department of Revenue website for their specific payment options for late returns.
Penalties and Interest: Be aware that if you owe taxes and are filing late, you will likely incur penalties for failure to file and failure to pay, plus interest. TurboTax will not calculate these penalties for you. The IRS will send you a bill for them after they process your return. It's still better to file and pay the tax due than to wait.
Related FAQs: "How to..." Edition
Here are 10 common "How to" questions related to filing 2023 taxes on TurboTax, along with quick answers:
How to Check if I Need to File 2023 Taxes?
Quick Answer: Generally, you need to file if your gross income exceeds a certain threshold based on your filing status, age, and whether you are a dependent. The IRS website provides specific thresholds for each year. It's always best to file if you had taxes withheld or might be eligible for credits, even if you don't meet the filing threshold, as you could be due a refund.
How to Find My 2023 Tax Documents if I've Lost Them?
Quick Answer: Contact your employers for W-2s, financial institutions for 1099s, etc. You can also request a Wage and Income Transcript from the IRS for the 2023 tax year, which shows income reported to the IRS by third parties.
How to Get My 2022 AGI for Verification?
Quick Answer: Your 2022 AGI is on your filed 2022 tax return (Form 1040, line 11). If you don't have a copy, you can request a Tax Return Transcript or Tax Account Transcript from the IRS website (IRS.gov/gettranscript).
How to Amend a 2023 Tax Return After Filing?
Quick Answer: You'll need to use the TurboTax 2023 desktop software (even if you filed the original with online software) to prepare an amended return (Form 1040-X). Wait until your original 2023 return has been fully processed by the IRS before attempting to amend. You will then print and mail the amended return.
How to Get Help from TurboTax Customer Service for 2023 Taxes?
Quick Answer: TurboTax offers various support options, including their online community forums, FAQs, and phone support. Visit the TurboTax support website and look for options related to "prior year taxes" or "contact us." Be aware that direct tax expert assistance might have limitations or additional fees for past-year returns.
How to Avoid Penalties for Filing Late 2023 Taxes?
Quick Answer: The best way to avoid or minimize penalties is to file and pay as soon as possible. If you owe tax, you'll likely face a failure-to-file penalty (5% of unpaid taxes per month, up to 25%) and a failure-to-pay penalty (0.5% of unpaid taxes per month, up to 25%), plus interest. If you are due a refund, there is generally no penalty for filing late.
How to Get a Refund from a Late-Filed 2023 Return?
Quick Answer: If you are owed a refund, you generally have three years from the tax deadline (April 15, 2024, for 2023 taxes) to claim it. If you file your 2023 return by April 15, 2027, you can still receive your refund.
How to Handle State Tax Filing for 2023 if I Live in a State with Income Tax?
Quick Answer: Just like federal, you'll likely need to use the 2023 TurboTax desktop software to prepare your state return. You'll then print and mail it to your state's tax department. Each state has its own filing deadlines and rules for late filing and penalties.
How to Know if I Can Still E-File My 2023 Taxes (e.g., special circumstances)?
Quick Answer: For most individuals, e-filing for 2023 is closed. However, there might be very specific, limited exceptions (e.g., certain disaster areas). Always check the latest IRS guidance or contact TurboTax support if you believe you qualify for an exception. Otherwise, assume you will need to print and mail.
How to Track My Mailed 2023 Tax Return?
Quick Answer: If you sent your return via a service with tracking (e.g., USPS Certified Mail), use the tracking number provided by the postal service. For the IRS, processing paper returns can take several weeks or even months. You can check the IRS "Where's My Refund?" tool, but it's primarily for e-filed returns and typically for the current filing year. For mailed past-due returns, it may not show updates until much later.