Can I use TurboTax or TaxAct to file 2 years of late taxes from 2020 and 2021?

Thanks for this helpful info! Do I need to file the 2020 return first and wait for it to be processed before filing 2021? Or can I submit both at the same time?

You can actually submit both years at the same time - you don't need to wait for the 2020 return to be processed before filing 2021. Just make sure you're using the correct tax year software for each return. If you're mailing paper returns, just send them in separate envelopes with the appropriate forms and documentation for each year. If you're e-filing, you'll complete each year separately in the software and submit them - the IRS can process multiple years simultaneously.

How long did the whole process take with taxr.ai? I'm worried about spending weeks going back and forth with documents.

Do they actually file for you or just give you advice? Not clear from your explanation and I'm in a similar boat with 3 years unfiled 😬

The whole process took me about 3-4 days from when I first uploaded my documents. It would have been faster, but I needed to find some missing receipts they identified for a business deduction. They don't file for you - they analyze your situation and documents, then give you detailed guidance. They identified exactly which forms I needed, which deductions I qualified for, and how to handle the late filing process. You still need to do the actual filing through TurboTax or whatever system you prefer, but with their guidance, it was pretty straightforward.

Wait, how does this actually work? The IRS calls YOU back? That sounds impossible based on my past experiences.

Sounds like a scam. I've never heard of the IRS calling people back, and certainly not through some random service. Has anyone else actually tried this?

The IRS doesn't call you directly. Here's how it works: Claimyr calls the IRS and navigates through all those annoying menu options and holds your place in the queue. Once they're about to connect with an agent, they call your phone and connect you to that same call. So you're talking directly to the IRS, Claimyr just helped you skip the 3+ hour hold time. It's not a scam at all - they never ask for any personal information. They're literally just a call service that holds your place in line. When the IRS agent comes on the line, you're the one talking to them directly.

Can you still e-file returns from 2020? I thought there was a cutoff where older returns had to be filed by paper.

You can e-file returns from up to three prior years, so right now (in 2023) you can still e-file for 2020, 2021, and 2022. For anything older than that (like 2019 or earlier), you have to paper file. The desktop versions of tax software will still prepare these older returns for you, but instead of e-filing, you'll need to print and mail them. Just make sure you're using the correct tax year software for each return you're filing.

Which states have these amnesty programs? I'm in Illinois and owe for 2020-2022.

Thank you for sharing such detailed info! I'm curious about the state amnesty programs - how did you find out about Michigan's voluntary disclosure program? Did you have to search their tax department website specifically, or is there a general resource that lists which states offer these programs? I'm in Texas and wondering if they have something similar that could help reduce my penalties.

I found Michigan's program by googling "Michigan voluntary tax disclosure program" and it took me straight to their Department of Treasury website. Most states call them either "voluntary disclosure" or "tax amnesty" programs, so try searching "[your state] voluntary tax disclosure" or "[your state] tax amnesty program." For Texas specifically, they do have a voluntary disclosure program! Since Texas doesn't have state income tax, it's mainly for sales tax and other business taxes, but if you have any business income or collected sales tax, it could still apply to your situation. You can find info on the Texas Comptroller's website under their voluntary disclosure section. Even if Texas doesn't have a formal amnesty program for your specific tax situation, it's still worth calling their tax department to ask about penalty reduction options when you're voluntarily coming forward to file late returns. Many states will work with you if you're proactively trying to get compliant.

I found Michigan's program by searching "[state name] tax amnesty program" and "[state name] voluntary disclosure program" on Google. Most state tax department websites have a section for these programs, though they're not always easy to find. For Texas specifically, you're actually in luck - Texas doesn't have a state income tax, so you won't owe state penalties like the rest of us! You'll only need to deal with federal returns, which makes your situation much simpler. If you have any other state taxes (like franchise tax for a business), those would be handled separately, but for personal income tax, Texas residents only deal with federal returns.

I found out about Michigan's program by googling "Michigan voluntary disclosure tax amnesty" and it led me straight to their Department of Treasury website. Most states that offer these programs have a dedicated page about it. For Texas specifically, you're in luck! Texas does offer a voluntary disclosure agreement (VDA) program through their Comptroller's office. Since Texas doesn't have individual income tax, this would mainly apply if you have any business tax issues, but it's worth checking their website at comptroller.texas.gov. You can also try searching "[your state] tax amnesty program" or "[your state] voluntary disclosure agreement" to see what's available. Some states run these programs annually, others have them available year-round. The key is applying before they contact you - once they initiate contact, you usually can't get the penalty reductions anymore.

I found out about Michigan's program by calling their Department of Treasury directly and asking if they had any penalty relief options for voluntary compliance. The rep immediately mentioned their voluntary disclosure program and emailed me the details. For Texas, you're actually in luck - Texas doesn't have a state income tax, so you won't have the same penalty issues that people in other states face! You'll only need to worry about your federal returns, which means no penalties since you're owed refunds. That's one less headache to deal with compared to the rest of us who owe state taxes. But for anyone else reading this in other states, I'd recommend calling your state's tax department directly and asking about "voluntary disclosure" or "tax amnesty" programs. Many states have them but don't advertise them heavily since they reduce revenue. The worst they can say is no, and you might save hundreds or thousands in penalties.

I found Michigan's program by searching "[state name] tax amnesty program" and "[state name] voluntary disclosure" on their Department of Treasury website. Most states that offer these programs have dedicated pages about them, though they don't always advertise them heavily. For Texas specifically, they do have a voluntary disclosure program! The Texas Comptroller's office calls it their "Voluntary Disclosure Program" and it's designed for taxpayers who want to come forward before the state finds them. You can find info on their website under the "Taxes" section. They typically waive penalties (but not interest) if you voluntarily come forward and agree to file all missing returns and pay what you owe. Each state's program is different, so definitely check the specific requirements and benefits. Some states run limited-time amnesty periods with even better deals, while others have ongoing voluntary disclosure programs. Worth a phone call to their taxpayer services line too - they're usually pretty helpful about explaining the options.

I found out about Michigan's program by calling their Department of Treasury directly and asking about options for voluntary disclosure. Most states don't advertise these programs heavily, but many have them. For Texas specifically, you're in luck - they have a voluntary disclosure agreement (VDA) program through the Texas Comptroller's office. You can find info on their website under "Voluntary Disclosure Agreement" or call their taxpayer services line. Since Texas doesn't have personal income tax though, this would only apply if you have business taxes or other state tax obligations. The key is to contact them BEFORE they contact you - that's what makes it "voluntary" and gets you the penalty reductions.

I found Michigan's program by googling "Michigan voluntary disclosure tax amnesty" and it led me directly to their Department of Treasury website. Most states call them either "voluntary disclosure programs" or "tax amnesty programs." For Texas specifically, you're in luck - they actually have one of the better voluntary disclosure programs! Search for "Texas Comptroller voluntary disclosure agreement" on their website. Texas typically offers penalty relief and sometimes interest reduction if you come forward before they contact you. Since Texas doesn't have individual income tax, this would mainly apply if you have any business tax issues, but definitely worth checking out. You can also try calling your state's taxpayer assistance line - they're usually pretty helpful about explaining what programs are available. Good luck!