Can I still file my 2017 taxes and get a refund?

Asked by: Jerry Bernhard  |  Last update: August 30, 2022
Score: 4.4/5 (68 votes)

For 2017 tax returns, the three-year window closes May 17, 2021. The law requires taxpayers to properly address and mail the tax return to the IRS. It must be postmarked by the May deadline. The IRS may hold the 2017 refunds of taxpayers who have not filed tax returns for 2018 and 2019.

Can I still claim my 2017 tax refund?

You had until May 17, 2021 to file and claim these refunds. Unfortunately, it is now too late to claim a refund for a 2017 IRS and/or state tax return and you may have missed out on a refund that was due to you! Still, it is recommended to file the return regardless.

How far back can you file taxes and get a refund?

Claim a Refund

If you are due a refund for withholding or estimated taxes, you must file your return to claim it within 3 years of the return due date. The same rule applies to a right to claim tax credits such as the Earned Income Credit.

Can I still file my 2017 tax return online?

Answer: Yes, electronically filed tax returns are accepted until November.

Can I still file my 2017 taxes in 2020?

You usually can still get a refund for up to three years prior. So, for 2021, you can still file for 2020, 2019, and 2018. This will also help you with a net-operating-loss carryover. Then you might take the carryover in future years, when there is enough income to offset it.

DO NOT file all of your old tax returns.

16 related questions found

Can you e file a 2017 tax return in 2021?

As such, this will affect the processing time of your return. You can prepare and e-file your current, 2021 Tax Year Return on eFile.com regardless of when you mail your back tax return. Remember, prior year tax returns cannot be electronically filed anywhere.

Can I still file 2017 taxes in 2021?

The three-year window of opportunity to claim a 2017 tax refund closes May 17, 2021, for most taxpayers.

How many years can you go without filing taxes?

There is generally a 10-year time limit on collecting taxes, penalties, and interest for each year you did not file. However, if you do not file taxes, the period of limitations on collections does not begin to run until the IRS makes a deficiency assessment.

Can I file 2 years of taxes at once?

Yes, you can. You will need to file the income from each year, separately. A tax return for each year of income that you need to report.

What happens if you don't file taxes for 3 years?

If you don't file within three years of the return's due date, the IRS will keep your refund money forever. It's possible that the IRS could think you owe taxes for the year, especially if you are claiming many deductions. The IRS will receive your W-2 or 1099 from your employer(s).

Can I get a refund after 3 years?

Again, in cases where a federal income tax return was not filed, the law provides most taxpayers with a three-year window of opportunity to claim a tax refund. If they do not file a tax return within three years, the money becomes the property of the U.S. Treasury.

What happens if you don't file taxes for 2 years?

If you fail to file your taxes on time, you'll likely encounter what's called a Failure to File Penalty. The penalty for failing to file represents 5% of your unpaid tax liability for each month your return is late, up to 25% of your total unpaid taxes. If you're due a refund, there's no penalty for failure to file.

What is the deadline to amend 2017 tax return?

Even if you did file a 2017 tax return, if you didn't report earnings for which you didn't get a W-2, then you need to file an amended 2017 tax return by April 15th to get Social Security credit for those earnings.

What happens if you file your taxes late but don't owe anything?

There is no penalty for filing a late return after the tax deadline if a refund is due. If you didn't file and owe tax, file a return as soon as you can and pay as much as possible to reduce penalties and interest.

What happens if you skip a year filing taxes?

The penalty for filing late is 5% of the taxes you owe per month for the first five months – up to 25% of your tax bill. The IRS will also charge you interest until you pay off the balance.

Can you go to jail for not filing taxes?

Penalties for tax evasion and fraud

If you have not filed a tax return, you could be charged with a summary offence under the Income Tax Act. If you are found guilty, the penalties can include substantial fines and a prison sentence.

Can I use TurboTax for past years?

You cannot use TurboTax Online to file for past years. TurboTax Online is only for the current tax year, which is now 2017. To file for previous years you have to use the CD or download TurboTax software for the year or years that you need.

What is the IRS Fresh Start Program?

The Fresh Start Initiative Program provides tax relief to select taxpayers who owe money to the IRS. It is a response by the Federal Government to the predatory practices of the IRS, who use compound interest and financial penalties to punish taxpayers with outstanding tax debt.

How can I file my 2017 taxes online for free?

IRS Free File lets you prepare and file your federal income tax online using guided tax preparation, at an IRS partner site or Free File Fillable Forms. It's safe, easy and no cost to you for a federal return.

Can you file prior year tax returns electronically?

Prior year returns can only be filed electronically by registered tax preparers, and only when the Modernized e-File System is available. The IRS posts the status of the Modernized e-File (MeF) system on the MeF Status Page. Individuals filing their own prior year return must print/mail the return.

How do I file my taxes for last 3 years?

Procedure to file Income Tax Return (ITR) for previous years

Income tax return for previous years can be filed through offline and online mode. For offline mode, you have to visit the office of income tax department of your city and have to manually fill income tax return form.

Can I still file my 2016 taxes in 2022?

After you have filed an extension, you have until October 17, 2022 to file your federal and state taxes. You can use FreeTaxUSA until the October 17, 2022 deadline anytime to file an extended tax return.

Can I amend my 2017 tax return in 2022?

If you are amending IRS Tax Form 1040 or Form 1040-NR by filing Form 1040-X in response to a notice you received from the IRS, mail it to the address shown on that notice. Important: The IRS has recently begun allowing amendments to be electronically filed for the current 2022 Tax Year.

Is it worth filing an amended tax return?

You don't need to file an amended return if you discover a simple math or clerical error on your return. The IRS can correct those types of mistakes on its own. An amended return isn't necessary if you forgot to attach a certain form or schedule to your return, either.

What is the recovery rebate credit?

Your 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit will reduce any tax you owe for 2021 or be included in your tax refund. If your income is $73,000 or less, you can file your federal tax return electronically for free through the IRS Free File Program.