Can I e-file my 2023 tax return in 2025? Options for filing prior year returns

If you're a tax pro with the right software, how far back can you e-file? Like if I have returns from 2021 and 2022 I never filed, could a professional e-file all of those for me or is there a cutoff? And is there any benefit to e-filing vs just mailing them in myself if I have to pay someone?

Authorized tax professionals can typically e-file returns for the current tax year plus two prior years. So in 2025, they could e-file 2024, 2023, and 2022 returns. For 2021, even a professional would need to paper file that return at this point. The main benefits of e-filing through a professional would be faster processing (typically 2-3 weeks vs. 6-8 weeks for paper returns), electronic confirmation that the IRS received your return, and potentially fewer errors since the software performs validation checks. That said, if your returns are relatively simple and you're confident in your ability to complete them accurately, mailing them yourself will save you the professional fees which can range from $150-$300 or more per return.

How does that actually work? Do they file the return for you or just give advice? And are they actual tax professionals or just some app that tells you what to do? I've got a similar situation with my 2023 return that I still haven't filed.

I'm skeptical about these AI tax services. Do they have actual CPAs reviewing your stuff? Seems like you'd still need someone to physically mail your return if e-filing isn't an option, so I'm not seeing how they solve the problem the original poster is having.

They don't file the return for you - they analyze your documents and provide guidance on the correct filing approach. Their system is powered by AI but backed by tax professionals who review complex cases, so you get both technology and human expertise. For your situation with a prior year return, they'd help ensure you're filling out the right forms correctly, calculate any penalties or interest you might owe, and give you specific instructions for mailing your return properly. They can also help determine if your situation qualifies for any penalty waivers given your specific circumstances. It's more about getting everything right so you don't have issues with the IRS later.

How long does it take them to get through? Last time I tried calling the IRS myself, I was on hold for 3 hours and then got disconnected. Does this service actually work or is it just another scam trying to get money from desperate people?

Sounds fishy. How would a third-party service get through any faster than I would? The IRS phone system is the same for everyone. And are they listening to your conversation with the IRS? That seems like a privacy concern with all your tax info.

They typically get through in 1-2 hours, but you don't have to be the one waiting on hold. They have a system that waits in the IRS queue, and they only call you when an agent is actually on the line ready to talk. So instead of you spending hours listening to hold music, you just get a call when it's your turn. They don't listen to your conversation at all. Their system connects you directly to the IRS agent once they get through, then they drop off the line completely. It's just a call connection service, not something where they stay on and hear your personal information. It's basically like having someone else wait in a physical line for you, then they text you when it's your turn so you can take their place.

Do you need to include all the original documents with a paper return? Like do they need my actual W-2 or can I send a copy? What about 1099s? I've only ever e-filed before so this is all new to me.

For W-2 forms, you need to attach Copy B of the actual form to your federal tax return when filing by mail. This is the copy that says "To be filed with employee's federal tax return." For 1099 forms, you generally don't need to attach them to your return - the IRS already receives copies directly from the issuers. Make sure you sign and date your return before mailing! It's a common mistake to forget the signature, which will cause processing delays. Also, I recommend sending your return via certified mail with return receipt requested so you have proof of when the IRS received it. This becomes important if there are any questions later about whether you filed on time.

Yes, there are typically two types of penalties: failure-to-file (5% of unpaid taxes each month, up to 25%) and failure-to-pay (0.5% of unpaid taxes each month, up to 25%). Interest also accrues daily on any unpaid tax from the due date. BUT! If you're owed a refund, there's generally NO penalty for filing late. You just lose access to your refund if you wait more than 3 years from the original due date.

This is really helpful info about the penalty waiver! I had no idea about first-time penalty abatement. Just to clarify - do you have to specifically request this when you file your return, or is it something you can only ask for after the IRS has already assessed penalties? And is there a time limit on how long you have to request it? I'm asking because I'm in the same boat as the original poster with my 2023 return, and I'm pretty sure I'll owe some money. If I can potentially get the penalties waived later, that would be a huge relief!

You can only request first-time penalty abatement AFTER the IRS has processed your return and assessed penalties - you can't request it when you initially file. The IRS needs to see the actual penalties on your account before they can waive them. There's no specific time limit, but it's best to request it as soon as you receive a notice showing penalties on your account. You can call the IRS directly or send a written request. The key requirements are: 1) you filed all required returns or extensions, 2) you paid or arranged to pay any tax due, and 3) you haven't incurred penalties in the prior 3 tax years. Since you're filing your 2023 return late, make sure to include payment for any taxes owed when you mail it in (even if you can't pay the full amount). This shows good faith and strengthens your case for penalty relief later.

You can only request first-time penalty abatement AFTER the IRS has processed your return and assessed any penalties - you can't request it when filing. The good news is there's no specific time limit, but it's easier to get approved if you request it soon after receiving a penalty notice. The process is pretty straightforward: once you get a notice showing penalties, you call the IRS and explain that this is your first time being penalized and you have a good compliance history (meaning you've filed and paid on time for the past 3 years). They'll review your account and can remove failure-to-file, failure-to-pay, and failure-to-deposit penalties. Just keep in mind that interest charges on unpaid taxes can't be waived - only the actual penalties. But even so, getting those penalties removed can save you hundreds or even thousands depending on how much you owe and how late you are.

You can only request first-time penalty abatement AFTER the IRS has processed your return and assessed any penalties - you can't request it when you initially file. The good news is there's no strict time limit, but it's generally easier to get approved if you request it within a reasonable timeframe after receiving your penalty notice. When you call to request it, the IRS will look at your compliance history for the three tax years prior to the year you're requesting abatement for. If you filed and paid on time (or didn't have a filing requirement) for those years, you'll likely qualify. They can remove failure-to-file, failure-to-pay, and failure-to-deposit penalties with this relief. Just make sure to keep records of your request and any correspondence about it. Sometimes you might need to follow up if your first request doesn't go through their system properly.

You request first-time penalty abatement AFTER the IRS processes your return and assesses any penalties - you can't request it when you initially file. The IRS needs to see what penalties they're charging you first before they can waive them. There's no specific deadline to request it, but it's best to do it as soon as you receive a notice showing the penalties. You can request it by calling the IRS directly (hence why services like Claimyr that others mentioned can be helpful for actually getting through to an agent), or you can write a letter explaining your situation. To qualify, you generally need to have filed all required returns, paid or arranged to pay any tax owed, and have a clean compliance history for the prior three tax years. The IRS will typically approve it on the first request if you meet these criteria. Just make sure to mention specifically that you're requesting "first-time penalty abatement" when you call or write - using those exact words helps ensure they consider the right provision.

You can only request first-time penalty abatement AFTER the IRS has processed your return and assessed any penalties - you can't request it when you initially file. The good news is there's no specific time limit, but it's generally easier to get approved if you request it sooner rather than later. Here's how it typically works: File your 2023 return by mail, wait for the IRS to process it (usually 6-8 weeks for paper returns), then you'll get a notice showing any penalties and interest owed. At that point, you can call the IRS and request first-time penalty abatement if you meet the criteria (generally means you've been compliant for the previous 3 tax years). The key requirements are: 1) You haven't been required to file a return for the prior 3 years OR you filed and paid on time for those years, 2) You have no penalties for the prior 3 years, and 3) You're current with filing requirements or have arranged to be current. Pro tip: When you call, be prepared to explain why you filed late (reasonable cause can help your case) and have your tax information ready. The phone wait times can be brutal, which is why some people use services like the Claimyr one mentioned earlier to avoid sitting on hold for hours.

You request first-time penalty abatement AFTER the IRS processes your return and assesses any penalties - you can't request it when you initially file. The IRS needs to see what penalties they're charging you before they can waive them. There's no specific time limit mentioned in IRS guidelines, but it's best to request it as soon as you receive a notice showing penalties. You can call the IRS directly (which is where services like Claimyr might be helpful to get through), or you can submit Form 843 (Claim for Refund and Request for Abatement) by mail. To qualify, you generally need to have filed all required returns, paid or arranged to pay any tax owed, and have a clean compliance history for the past 3 years. The IRS will typically approve it automatically if you meet these criteria, which can save you hundreds or even thousands in penalties depending on how much you owe.

You can only request first-time penalty abatement AFTER the IRS has processed your return and assessed any penalties - you can't request it upfront when filing. The good news is there's no specific time limit, but it's easier to get approved if you request it relatively soon after receiving your penalty notice. When you call to request it, the IRS will verify that you've been compliant for the three years prior to the tax year in question (so for your 2023 return, they'd check 2020, 2021, and 2022). If you filed those returns on time and paid any taxes owed, you should qualify. Just keep in mind that this is a one-time deal - you can only use first-time penalty abatement once in your lifetime, so save it for when the penalties are substantial enough to make the phone call worth it!

You request first-time penalty abatement AFTER the IRS has processed your return and assessed any penalties - you can't request it when you initially file. The IRS needs to see the actual penalty charges on your account first. You typically have up to 3 years from the date the penalty was assessed to request abatement, so you have plenty of time. The easiest way is to call the IRS once you receive your notice showing the penalties (usually a few months after they process your return). You can also submit Form 843 (Claim for Refund and Request for Abatement) by mail, but calling is usually faster. To qualify, you need to have filed all required returns, paid or arranged to pay any tax due, and have no penalties for the 3 tax years prior to the year you're requesting abatement for. If you meet these criteria, they'll often remove both failure-to-file and failure-to-pay penalties automatically when you call and request it.

You can only request first-time penalty abatement AFTER the IRS has processed your return and assessed any penalties. You can't request it upfront when filing. The good news is there's no specific time limit - you can request it anytime after the penalties are assessed, even years later. The process is pretty straightforward: once your return is processed and you receive a notice showing penalties, you call the IRS and explain that this is your first time being penalized and request abatement under the first-time penalty abatement policy. They'll check your compliance history (usually the past 3 years), and if you've been filing and paying on time, they'll typically approve it on the spot. Just make sure to keep records of when you request it and get confirmation from the agent. Some people also follow up in writing, but a phone call is usually sufficient. The key is having that clean compliance history - no late filings or payments in the previous 3 tax years.

You can only request first-time penalty abatement AFTER the IRS has processed your return and assessed penalties - you can't request it when you initially file. The IRS needs to see the penalties on your account before they can remove them. There's no specific time limit, but it's best to request it as soon as possible after you receive a notice showing the penalties. You can call the IRS directly (good luck with that!) or submit Form 843 (Claim for Refund and Request for Abatement) by mail. To qualify, you generally need to have filed all required returns, paid or arranged to pay any tax owed, and have no penalties for the three tax years prior to the tax year you're requesting abatement for. So if you're requesting it for 2023, they'll look at your 2020, 2021, and 2022 compliance history. The key thing is don't panic if you see penalties on your first notice from the IRS - you may be able to get them removed entirely if you meet the criteria!

You can only request first-time penalty abatement AFTER the IRS has processed your return and assessed penalties - you can't request it when filing. The IRS needs to see the actual penalties on your account before they can remove them. There's no specific time limit, but it's best to request it as soon as possible after you receive a notice showing penalties. You can call the IRS directly (good luck with that!) or send a written request. The key requirements are: 1) you filed all required returns or extensions, 2) you paid or arranged to pay any tax owed, and 3) you haven't been penalized for the prior 3 tax years. Since you're filing your 2023 return late, make sure to pay any taxes owed with your return (even if you can't pay the full amount) to show good faith compliance. This strengthens your case for penalty abatement later.

You request first-time penalty abatement AFTER the IRS processes your return and assesses any penalties - you can't request it upfront when filing. Once you receive a notice showing penalties, you can call the IRS and request the abatement over the phone, or you can write a letter requesting it. There's no specific time limit, but it's best to request it as soon as possible after receiving the penalty notice. The IRS will look at your compliance history for the three tax years prior to the year you're requesting abatement for. So for your 2023 return, they'd check 2020, 2021, and 2022 to make sure you filed on time and paid any taxes owed. If you qualify, they'll remove the failure-to-file and failure-to-pay penalties, but you'll still owe any interest that accrued. It's definitely worth requesting if this is your first time having filing/payment issues!

You can only request first-time penalty abatement AFTER the IRS has processed your return and assessed any penalties - you can't request it when you initially file. The IRS needs to see the actual penalties on your account before they can consider removing them. There's no specific time limit, but it's best to request it as soon as you receive a notice showing the penalties. You can call the IRS directly (good luck with hold times!) or send a written request. You'll need to have been compliant with filing and paying for the three years prior to the tax year in question. Since you're filing your 2023 return late, they'd look at your 2020, 2021, and 2022 compliance history. If you filed those on time and paid any taxes owed, you should qualify. The relief can cover both failure-to-file and failure-to-pay penalties, but not interest - that still accrues and you'd have to pay it.

You request first-time penalty abatement AFTER the IRS processes your return and assesses any penalties, not when you initially file. You'll need to call the IRS once you receive a notice showing the penalties, or you can call after your return is processed to check if any penalties were applied. There's no specific deadline for requesting penalty abatement, but it's best to do it as soon as possible after receiving a penalty notice. You can request it by phone, in writing, or even online through certain IRS tools depending on your situation. To qualify, you generally need to have filed all required returns, paid or arranged to pay any tax owed, and have no penalties for the three tax years prior to the tax year of the return with the penalty. So if you're filing your 2023 return late, they'll look at your 2020, 2021, and 2022 compliance history. The good news is that if you qualify, they can waive both failure-to-file AND failure-to-pay penalties for that tax year. It's definitely worth requesting if you meet the criteria!

You request first-time penalty abatement AFTER the IRS processes your return and assesses any penalties - you can't request it when you initially file. The IRS needs to see the actual penalty amounts before they can waive them. There's no specific deadline for requesting it, but it's best to call within a reasonable time after receiving your penalty notice (usually within a year or two). You'll need to call the IRS directly - you can't request it online or by mail. When you call, just explain that this is your first time being penalized and ask for first-time penalty abatement. The key requirement is having a clean compliance history for the prior 3 tax years - meaning you filed on time, paid on time, and had no penalties. If you qualify, they'll remove the failure-to-file and failure-to-pay penalties, though you'll still owe any interest that accrued. Definitely worth trying if you end up with penalties! The worst they can say is no, but most people with clean records get approved pretty easily.