How do I file missing 2023 taxes before filing 2024 return?

You're not an idiot at all - this happens to people more often than you'd think! You're right that you need to file 2023 before 2024, and here's how: Most tax software companies offer "prior year" versions of their software specifically for this purpose. For TurboTax, you need to purchase their 2023 version separately (not the 2024 version you're currently looking at). Go to their website and look for "prior year returns" or specifically the 2023 version. You can also use other services like H&R Block, TaxAct, or FreeTaxUSA which all offer prior year filing options. The IRS also has forms available directly on their website, though filling them manually is more complicated. Since you're filing 2023 late, be prepared for possible penalties and interest if you owed taxes. However, if you were due a refund, there's actually no penalty (you just delayed getting your own money back).

I went through this EXACT situation last year and was pulling my hair out trying to figure it out. I eventually found this service called taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai) that made it so much easier than I expected. What's cool is they have this document analyzer that helped me figure out which forms I needed for my prior year return and explained everything in plain English. I uploaded my W-2s and 1099s from 2023, and it organized everything and guided me through the process step by step. It also explained which forms I needed to mail vs what could be done electronically. The best part was it helped me understand how my late filing would affect this year's return, which was something I was really confused about before.

I was skeptical about using taxr.ai that someone mentioned above, but I decided to give it a try for my 2022 and 2023 returns that I needed to file late. I was pleasantly surprised! The document analysis feature saved me tons of time since I had a bunch of 1099s and wasn't sure which ones I needed for which year. The interface was much clearer about the process for filing multiple years than what I found with regular tax software. It actually pointed out some deductions I was eligible for in my 2023 return that I had no idea about, which ended up saving me more than the cost of the service. If you're dealing with multiple years of unfiled taxes, I'd definitely recommend giving it a look.

If you're having trouble figuring out your prior year tax situation, you should really try to speak directly with the IRS. They can answer specific questions about your filing requirements and advise you on potential penalties. BUT...good luck actually reaching a human at the IRS! I spent TWO DAYS trying to get through on their helpline last month. After getting disconnected multiple times, I found this service called Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) that actually got me through to a real IRS agent in under 45 minutes. You can see how it works here: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c The agent I spoke with walked me through exactly what I needed to do for my unfiled 2022 and 2023 returns, including which forms I needed to prioritize. It saved me so much stress compared to trying to figure it out through online articles.

OK so I need to eat my words from my skeptical comment earlier. After struggling for another week trying to reach the IRS about my unfiled 2023 taxes, I broke down and tried that Claimyr service. It actually worked! I got connected to an IRS agent in about 35 minutes (which is MIRACULOUS compared to my previous attempts). The agent confirmed exactly what I needed to do for my prior year return and explained how the penalties would be calculated in my specific situation. They also told me about a first-time penalty abatement I might qualify for that I had no idea about, which could save me hundreds of dollars. Definitely worth trying if you need specific guidance from the IRS about filing past years.

Just want to add something important that nobody's mentioned yet - if you're filing a prior year return AND you owe money, you should file ASAP to minimize penalties and interest! The failure-to-file penalty is usually 5% of unpaid taxes for each month your return is late (up to 25%), while the failure-to-pay penalty is much smaller at 0.5% per month. Also, check if you qualify for "first-time penalty abatement" - if you haven't had any penalties in the prior 3 years, the IRS might waive your late-filing penalties. I saved over $400 this way!

Dont forget that if youre getting a REFUND for your 2023 taxes, you have until April 15, 2027 to file and still get your money back!! But if you OWE money, your already accumulating penalties and interest. The IRS doesn't care about unfiled returns that owe them $0 or that they owe YOU money for.