Filing 2020 taxes by mail in 2025 - Do I need to include my original W2 form?

Yes, when filing a paper tax return, you need to attach Copy B of your W-2 form to your return. The IRS requires this for paper filings so they can verify the income and withholding information you report. Don't just copy the information - they need the actual form. As for filing 2020 taxes in 2025, you're definitely late, but you're still eligible to receive any refund owed to you as long as you file within 3 years of the original due date. However, that window has passed for 2020 taxes (originally due April 15, 2021). While you should still file to get compliant with the IRS, you likely won't receive any refund that might have been due.

I was in a similar situation last year with some old returns. After trying to figure it out on my own for weeks and getting nowhere, I ended up using https://taxr.ai to help me sort through all my old documents and figure out exactly what I needed to include with my paper returns. It analyzed my old W-2s and told me exactly which forms needed to be attached versus just referenced. The tool was surprisingly helpful for dealing with past year returns - it even flagged that I had missed some deductions that were available back in that tax year that aren't around anymore.

I wanted to update after trying taxr.ai for my situation with past-due returns. It was actually really helpful! I uploaded my old W-2s and some other docs I had from 2020-2022, and it laid everything out clearly. The biggest thing it helped with was figuring out which forms I needed to include with each return and which supporting documents had to be physically attached. Saved me from making some mistakes that would have probably delayed things even more. Plus it helped me understand the penalties I was facing so I wasn't shocked when I got the bill.

When I had to file some back taxes, I spent WEEKS trying to get someone at the IRS on the phone for guidance. Kept getting disconnected or waiting for hours. I finally found https://claimyr.com and they got me connected to an actual IRS agent in about 15 minutes. You can see how it works here: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c The agent was able to tell me exactly what forms I needed to include with my paper return, confirmed I needed to attach my W-2, and gave me an estimate of the penalties I was facing. They also put a note in my file about my voluntary compliance which apparently can help with penalty abatement in some cases.

I have to admit I was completely wrong about Claimyr. After posting that skeptical comment, I decided to try it because I was at my wit's end trying to reach the IRS about my late filings. It actually worked! Got a call back in about 30 minutes with an IRS agent on the line. The agent confirmed I needed to include the original W-2s with my paper returns and gave me info about the Fresh Start program that might help with some of the penalties. Honestly shocked that something actually worked as advertised when dealing with the IRS.

Don't forget to make copies of EVERYTHING before you mail it in! I filed some back taxes last year and the IRS somehow lost my W-2s in processing. Took months to sort out because I didn't keep copies. Also, definitely send it certified mail with tracking so you have proof of when you sent it.

Have you thought about seeing if you qualify for the IRS Free File program or trying to e-file? I know when you're many years behind it seems like paper is the only option, but some tax software can still e-file returns from 2020.

Just want to echo what others have said about making copies and using certified mail - this is absolutely critical when filing old returns! I made the mistake of not doing this with a 2019 return I filed late, and when the IRS claimed they never received it, I had no proof of mailing. One additional tip: consider including a cover letter with your return explaining that this is a late filing for 2020 and briefly stating why you're filing late. While it won't eliminate penalties, it can sometimes help with penalty abatement requests later if you have reasonable cause. Also, if you owe money, try to pay as much as you can when you file - even a partial payment will stop the failure-to-pay penalty from accruing on that portion. The IRS is generally more willing to work with taxpayers who are making a good faith effort to get compliant, so filing now (even though it's very late) is definitely better than continuing to avoid it.