Can 2022 taxes still be filed in 2025? What's the deadline for claiming a refund?

Thank you so much for the helpful response! I'm relieved I still have time. So just to make sure I understand correctly - I need to print the actual 2022 forms and not the current year forms? And I have to mail it physically since e-filing isn't available anymore? Do you know how long it typically takes to get a refund when filing this way? I've only ever e-filed before.

You're exactly right - you need to specifically use the 2022 tax forms (the year you're filing for), not the current forms. The IRS website has a forms archive where you can download them. And yes, you'll need to mail it physically since e-filing is generally only available for the current tax year. For paper returns, especially prior year returns, the processing time is unfortunately much longer than e-filing. You're typically looking at 6-8 weeks minimum, but it could take 3-4 months or even longer given the IRS backlog. I recommend using certified mail with tracking so you have proof of when you submitted it.

How exactly does that work? I'm in a similar boat with 2022 taxes I never filed. Does the tool actually fill out the forms for you or just give advice? I'm worried about making mistakes on a paper return.

Sounds interesting but I'm skeptical. I tried getting my tax transcripts directly from the IRS before and the verification process was a nightmare. Does this service actually make it easier or is it just another middleman charging fees?

The tool doesn't just give advice - it helps you complete the actual forms specific to your tax situation, ensuring you're using the correct 2022 forms with the right calculations. It walks you through everything step-by-step, including how to properly document deductions for prior years, which is often where people make mistakes. As for the transcript issue, that's actually where I found it most helpful. The service provided a streamlined verification method that worked much better than my previous attempts directly with the IRS. They use some kind of enhanced verification system that worked even when I had trouble with the regular IRS transcript verification. No annoying middleman delays - it expedited the whole process.

How does this even work? Is it legal? I thought you just had to suffer through the IRS hold times like everyone else.

Yeah right. Nothing can get you through to the IRS faster. They're literally designed to be impossible to reach. Sounds like a scam that charges you for something that doesn't actually work.

It's completely legal! The service essentially uses an automated system that navigates the IRS phone tree and waits on hold for you. When an agent finally picks up, you get a call connecting you directly to them. No magic, just smart technology that saves you from having to personally sit through hours of hold music. This isn't about cutting lines or getting special treatment - everyone still waits their turn. The difference is that their system waits on your behalf, and you only get on the phone when there's actually an agent ready to talk. It saved me from wasting an entire day trying to call about my prior year return, and the IRS agent I spoke with was incredibly helpful with my specific situation.

Are you sure about that? I thought there was always a penalty for filing after the deadline, refund or not? My accountant friend told me there's a difference between filing extension and just filing late.

I'm absolutely sure about this. There's an important distinction: if you owe the IRS money, you face penalties and interest for filing late. However, if the IRS owes you a refund, there's no penalty for filing late - you just don't get your money until you file. The filing extension your accountant friend mentioned is different - that's something you request before the deadline to get more time to file without penalties. What we're talking about here is filing past the deadline without having requested an extension, which has no penalty if you're due a refund, but would have penalties if you owed taxes.

Most tax software companies (including FreeTaxUSA) offer prior year returns, but you usually have to pay for them separately from current year filing. For 2022 specifically, you can purchase and complete it through their system, but you'll still need to print and mail it - no e-filing for prior years.

This is such reassuring advice! I'm actually in a similar situation with my 2022 taxes - I was so overwhelmed by the whole process that I just avoided it completely. Reading all these responses gives me hope that I can still fix this mess. One question though - when you mention making sure to claim all deductions and credits, how do I know what I'm eligible for? I'm worried I might miss something important or accidentally claim something I shouldn't. Is there a good resource for figuring out what applies to my specific situation from 2022? Also, has anyone here actually gotten their refund from a late-filed paper return? I'm curious about real experiences with how long it actually took.