Can I electronically file 2020 taxes for a refund using older TurboTax software?

7 But what if I already have the completed forms in PDF? Can I just print and mail those exact pages or do I need to redo everything on paper forms? And do I need to include all 100+ pages??

12 You can definitely print and mail the PDF forms you already have - no need to redo anything. You don't need to mail all 100+ pages though. The main forms you need are: Form 1040 and any schedules that apply to your situation (like Schedule A, B, C, etc). Supporting worksheets and calculations that TurboTax generated don't need to be sent to the IRS. Make sure you sign and date the return before mailing it. I'd recommend sending it certified mail with return receipt so you have proof the IRS received it. Your refund might take 6-8 weeks to process once they get your paper return.

3 How long did the whole process take? I'm worried about meeting that May deadline the expert mentioned above.

14 Does this work for other tax situations too? I have some complicated self-employment stuff from 2021 that I'm still figuring out and wondering if this could help.

9 The process took me less than 30 minutes from upload to getting the final instructions - super quick compared to the hours I spent stressing about it before. You'll have plenty of time before the May deadline! For self-employment situations, it's actually really useful since it identifies all the required schedules and forms you need to include. The system handles pretty much any personal tax situation - W-2 income, self-employment, investments, rental properties, etc. I was impressed by how thorough it was while still being easy to use.

21 How does this even work? The IRS phone line is impossible to get through - I tried calling about my amended return for like 3 weeks straight.

5 This sounds too good to be true tbh. I spent HOURS on hold with the IRS last year and never got through. You're saying this magically gets someone on the line? I'm skeptical.

18 It works by essentially navigating the IRS phone system for you and holding your place in line. When they reach an agent, you get a call connecting you directly. No more sitting on hold for hours or getting disconnected! I was super skeptical too before trying it. I had literally spent 6+ hours across multiple days trying to reach someone at the IRS about my refund. The service actually works exactly as advertised - they called me when they reached an agent, and suddenly I was talking to a real person who could actually help. The agent even commented that the call queue that day was over 2 hours long, but I only waited about 10-15 minutes after signing up.

7 Wait really? That's important to know since I've moved twice since 2020. Do I need to update my address with the IRS before sending the old return?

15 Yes, you should definitely update your address with the IRS before filing your old return. You can do this by completing Form 8822 (Change of Address) and mailing it in before you send your tax return. This ensures your refund check will go to the right place. If you've already sent in your return with an old address, you can still submit Form 8822 afterward, or you can call the IRS directly to update your address. The IRS will usually forward tax refund checks for up to one year if you have mail forwarding set up with USPS, but it's much better to make sure they have your current address on file.

12 Unfortunately, yes. For 2019 taxes, the deadline to claim a refund was April 18, 2023 (three years from the original due date). The IRS is very strict about this three-year rule for refunds - once that window closes, any unclaimed refund money goes to the U.S. Treasury, and you can't get it back.