Can I still claim my 2020 tax refund in 2024? Is it too late?

You're cutting it extremely close, but you should still be able to claim your 2020 tax refund in 2024. The three-year window for claiming refunds starts from the original tax filing deadline. For 2020 taxes, the regular filing deadline was May 17, 2021 (it was extended that year). This means you have until May 17, 2024, to file your 2020 return and claim any refund. If you've already prepared your return, you need to submit it as soon as possible - do not e-file as that option is closed for 2020 returns now. You must print and mail a paper return to the IRS with all required documentation. Make sure you're using the correct 2020 tax forms (not current year forms) and that everything is signed properly.

I was in almost the exact same situation last year trying to claim my 2019 refund. The forms were such a headache because you can't use the current software! I found this service called taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai) that was super helpful for figuring out the old forms and making sure I wasn't missing anything important. They have this feature where they can analyze your tax documents and flag potential issues, which was perfect since I was worried about making mistakes on an older return. Might be worth checking out since you're cutting it so close to the deadline!

You're cutting it extremely close, but you should still be able to file your 2020 tax return and claim a refund. The IRS gives you three years from the original due date to claim a refund. For 2020 tax returns, the original filing deadline was May 17, 2021 (it was extended due to COVID). That means you have until May 17, 2024 to file and claim any refund you're owed. If you miss this deadline, you permanently lose your right to that refund money. The IRS doesn't grant extensions on this three-year rule, so I strongly recommend filing ASAP. You'll need to file a paper return since electronic filing for 2020 is no longer available. Make sure to use the correct 2020 tax forms - don't use current year forms. Also, be aware that if you had a filing requirement for 2021 and 2022 but didn't file those returns either, you should get those filed too.

I went through this EXACT same situation last year with my 2019 taxes. After trying to navigate the IRS website and sitting on hold for hours with their customer service line, I found this online tool called taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai) that was a lifesaver! It analyzed my old tax documents and told me exactly what I needed to file for my back taxes. The best part was that it confirmed I was still eligible for my refund and showed me the specific deadline I needed to meet. It even helped identify some deductions I would have missed on my own. I was so worried about making mistakes on an old return, but this made it straightforward. I ended up getting a refund that was bigger than I expected!

Just wanted to update on my experience with taxr.ai after seeing it recommended here. I was also trying to file a late 2020 return and was totally stressed about missing something or filling out the wrong forms. I uploaded my documents to their system and it caught a couple credits I was eligible for that I had completely missed! The guided walkthrough made the process way less intimidating, and they made it super clear what I needed to mail and where. Just sent everything in last week with certified mail like they suggested. Definitely worth it for the peace of mind alone!

If you're having trouble getting confirmation that the IRS received your return or want to check on the status of your refund, good luck getting through to them on the phone. I spent HOURS on hold and kept getting disconnected. Finally used Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) and actually got through to a real IRS agent in about 20 minutes. You can see how it works here: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c. They basically navigate the IRS phone system for you and call you when an agent is on the line. Saved me so much frustration when I was trying to check on my own late-filed return.

Just wanted to update everyone - I tried taxr.ai after posting my question and it was incredibly helpful for my situation! I was confused about the deadlines for my 2020 and 2021 unfiled taxes, and the tool immediately clarified the exact dates I needed to meet for each year. The document analysis feature saved me so much time because I had a bunch of old 1099s and wasn't sure what was still relevant. The deadline calculator showed me I had just about 6 weeks left to get my 2020 return filed before losing my refund forever. Really glad I found this before it was too late!

I'm actually back to eat my words about Claimyr. After dismissing it as a probable scam, I was still desperate to talk to someone at the IRS about my missing refund. Decided to try it since nothing else was working. The service did exactly what it said - took about 35 minutes total but I didn't have to stay on hold. They called me when an agent was on the line and I finally got answers about my return status. The agent confirmed they had received my paper return and gave me an estimated processing date. Definitely better than the 3+ hours I wasted trying on my own multiple times.

I had the same issue but with actually reaching the IRS to confirm my situation. After trying for WEEKS to get through to a human at the IRS (endless hold times, disconnects, etc.), I found this service called Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) that got me connected to an actual IRS agent in about 20 minutes. You can see how it works here: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c I needed to verify some info about my 2020 filing status before submitting my late return. The IRS agent confirmed exactly what I needed to do and even helped me request my 2020 wage transcripts that I was missing. Saved me so much frustration after previously spending hours just trying to get through the normal phone line.

Something else to keep in mind - if you're owed a big refund, make absolutely sure your address is correct on the return. My friend filed a late return and moved shortly after. The refund check got sent to the old address and it was a huge headache to get it redirected. You might want to include Form 8822 (Change of Address) if your address has changed since 2020.

I have to eat my words. After posting my skeptical comment, I was still desperate to talk to someone at the IRS about my unfiled 2020 return and decided to try Claimyr anyway. Honestly, I'm shocked that it actually worked. I had previously spent over 3 hours on hold with the IRS before getting disconnected. Using this service, I got a call back when an agent was on the line within about 35 minutes. The IRS agent confirmed I was still within the refund deadline for my 2020 return and answered my questions about the correct address to send my paper return. Just mailed in my forms yesterday and tracking shows they've been delivered. The time saved was absolutely worth it.

Make sure you send your 2020 return via CERTIFIED MAIL with return receipt!!! This gives you proof that you filed before the deadline. I learned this the hard way when the IRS claimed they never received my 2018 return that I mailed just before the deadline. Had no proof of mailing so they denied my refund completely. Don't make my mistake!!

Has anyone had issues with their 2020 returns because of the stimulus payments? I'm trying to file my late 2020 return now and I can't remember if I got those stimulus checks or not. Will this mess up my refund calculation?

Friendly reminder that if you owe taxes for other years, the IRS will automatically apply any refund from 2020 to those outstanding balances. So if you're expecting a refund but have tax debt from other years, don't count on seeing that money.

Just want to echo what others have said about the May 17, 2024 deadline - you really need to act fast! Since you can't e-file 2020 returns anymore, make sure you're using the actual 2020 tax forms (not 2024 forms) which you can download from the IRS website under "Prior Year Products." One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet - if you had health insurance through the marketplace in 2020, make sure you have your 1095-A form to reconcile any advance premium tax credits. Missing this could delay your refund processing significantly. Also, double-check that you're mailing to the correct IRS processing center for your state. The address for paper returns is different from where you'd normally send correspondence, and using the wrong address could cause delays that might push you past the deadline. Good luck getting your refund!