Can I still file for 2021 taxes and get my refund after the deadline?

14 Thanks for the info! Do you know approximately how long it takes the IRS to process a prior year return compared to current year returns? And can I track the refund status online for older returns?

8 Prior year returns typically take longer to process than current year returns - generally 6-12 weeks since they must be paper-filed and manually processed. The IRS is still working through some backlog, so patience is definitely needed. Yes, you can track your refund status using the "Where's My Refund" tool on the IRS website or the IRS2Go app, but it won't show any information until about 3 weeks after you mail your return. You'll need your Social Security number, filing status, and exact refund amount to check.

5 How does it work with older tax years though? Does it have all the old tax brackets and rules built in? I'm worried about accuracy for prior years since the tax laws change.

19 I've heard about AI tax tools but I'm skeptical. How do you know it's giving you the right information? Does it actually fill out the forms for you or just give advice?

12 It has all the tax brackets and rules for each specific year built in - that's what makes it so helpful for prior year returns. Since you're filing 2021, it applies all the 2021-specific rules and rates that were in effect then, not current year rules. For your question about accuracy - it uses the official IRS rules from each tax year in its system. It doesn't just give advice - it actually helps complete your forms using the right year's versions. You still review everything before filing, but it does all the heavy lifting with the calculations and figuring out which forms you need.

3 Wait, how does this service actually work? I thought it was impossible to get through to the IRS. Do they have some kind of special access?

19 This sounds like BS. There's no way to skip the IRS phone lines. They probably just keep calling repeatedly like anyone could do themselves. I bet it's expensive too.

16 It uses a system that navigates the IRS phone tree and holds your place in line so you don't have to. When an agent becomes available, it calls you and connects you directly to them. No special access - it just does the waiting for you. I was super skeptical at first too! But I was desperate after months of trying to reach someone. It's not skipping the line - you're still in the same queue as everyone else, but you don't have to physically stay on hold for hours. When I got connected to the agent, they told me my return was marked for manual review (which is common for prior year returns) and gave me an updated timeline.

1 That's a really good point about the pandemic benefits. I completely forgot about those! I think I got some advance Child Tax Credit payments in 2021. Would those have reduced the refund I'll get now when I file?

7 Yes, any advance Child Tax Credit payments you received in 2021 will reduce your refund when you file now. The IRS should have sent you Letter 6419 showing how much you received in advance. If you can't find it, you can check your IRS online account to see the amount. The total Child Tax Credit for 2021 was $3,600 for each child under 6 and $3,000 for children 6-17 (higher than normal years). If you received advance payments, that was only half the total amount. You can still claim the other half when you file, but you'll need to reconcile what you already received.

10 I used FreeTaxUSA for my 2021 taxes last year. It was actually pretty straightforward. They have all the forms and the 2021 tax rules built in. The interface looks exactly the same as their current year version. Just remember you'll still need to print and mail the return - no e-filing for prior years regardless of which software you use.

This is really encouraging to hear! I'm particularly interested in your tip about certified mail - that seems like a smart way to have peace of mind that the IRS actually received the return. Did you use certified mail with return receipt requested, or just regular certified mail? Also, when you say you double-checked all the math, did you use any specific method or just go through the calculations manually? I want to make sure I don't make any silly errors that could delay processing even more.