Filed 2024 Taxes on Saturday - How Do I Also File for 2023?
Hey tax folks! I just e-filed my 2024 taxes this past Saturday (first time doing them as a small biz owner 😅) but realized I still need to file my 2023 return too. What's the process for filing a previous year? Do I use the same software or need special forms? Also, since I already filed 2024, will this cause any confusion or delays? Any small business deductions I should know about for last year that might be different? Thanks for any help!
16 comments
QuantumQuest
You need to be careful here... the IRS might flag your account if they see unusual filing patterns. For 2023 taxes, you'll need to use 2023 tax forms and software versions - you can't use current year software for previous years. I'd recommend getting this done as soon as possible since penalties and interest have been accumulating since April 15th if you owe anything. Time is really of the essence here.
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Connor Murphy
I believe this is mostly accurate, though I'd add that many tax software providers actually do allow you to prepare prior year returns, just not through their standard interface. I had to file 2022 last year and TurboTax had a separate download for it.
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Yara Haddad
Wait, so does this mean they'll have to pay penalties regardless? Even if they end up getting a refund for 2023? And what about the fact that we're still in 2024 - wouldn't the 2023 tax deadline have been just a few months ago?
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Keisha Robinson
What is your filing status and estimated Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) for 2023? This information is critical for determining your optimal filing approach. Additionally, did you have the same business in 2023, or is this a new venture? The Section 199A Qualified Business Income deduction parameters may apply differently based on your income thresholds and entity classification.
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Paolo Conti
I'm a sole proprietor (Schedule C) with about $65k in gross revenue for 2023. My business started mid-2023, so this will be my first time filing with business income. I don't think my AGI will be over $80k total. I'm using TurboTax for my 2024 filing - do they handle prior year returns too?
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Amina Sow
Have you tried contacting the IRS directly to discuss your situation? Many people don't realize how helpful a quick conversation with an actual agent can be. But getting through to the IRS can be frustrating, can't it? I've had success using Claimyr (https://www.claimyr.com) to connect with an IRS representative without the endless hold times. They could clarify exactly what you need to do for your specific situation and whether filing 2023 after 2024 might trigger any reviews. Wouldn't it be better to get official guidance rather than piecing together advice?
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GalaxyGazer
I'm in a similar time crunch with my taxes! Does anyone know if there's a deadline for filing 2023 taxes if you're owed a refund? The IRS website says something about 3 years, but I'm seeing conflicting info online about penalties even if you're due money back. https://www.irs.gov/refunds/where-s-my-refund
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Oliver Wagner
If you're due a refund, there's no penalty for filing late. You have 3 years from the original filing deadline to claim your refund (so April 15, 2027 for 2023 taxes). After that, you forfeit your refund. However, if you OWE taxes, penalties and interest started accruing from the original due date (April 15, 2024 for 2023 taxes).
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Natasha Kuznetsova
It's not quite that simple. While there's no failure-to-file penalty if you're owed a refund, there are other considerations. For example, if you had self-employment income over $400, you were required to file regardless of refund status. Also, delaying filing means delaying your refund, and with inflation, that money is worth less the longer you wait. I've seen too many people miss out on thousands by waiting.
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Javier Mendoza
Quick Q - does anyone know if the biz owner status affects this 3-yr rule? Like if OP has SE taxes due but would otherwise get a refund from W2 withholding, does that change things? Thx!
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Emma Thompson
I just went through this exact scenario last month! Per Internal Revenue Code Section 6511, you must file within 3 years of the original due date to claim any refund. I filed my 2023 return after filing 2024 and had no issues. Used TaxAct's 2023 version (they charge extra for prior year filing). Submitted electronically on May 12th and received my refund via direct deposit on May 29th. The IRS's Modernized e-File system processes prior year returns separately from current year returns, so there's no conflict risk per Publication 1345.
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Malik Davis
That's good to know! I was worried about doing something similar. Did you have to pay extra for the prior year software? I'm trying to keep costs down but also don't want to mess anything up.
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Isabella Santos
Did you need any special forms? How did you get the 2023 software? My tax guy wants $350 just to do my 2023 return.
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StarStrider
Thanks for sharing the exact timeline. 17 days from filing to refund for a prior year return is faster than I expected. Good data point.
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Ravi Gupta
I feel your pain! I was in the EXACT same situation last year! 😩 I filed 2023 first, then realized I never filed 2022. It was so stressful but actually turned out fine! I called the IRS and they were surprisingly helpful. The lady told me it happens more than people think. For your small business, make sure you have all your expense receipts organized by category - this made a HUGE difference for me. I was so worried I'd get in trouble but it was just a normal process. You got this! 💪
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Freya Pedersen
I'm planning to file my 2023 taxes next week (July 15th) - has anyone had issues with the IRS questioning why you filed current year before past year? Does the IRS computer system flag this as suspicious, or is it common enough that they don't care about the order?
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