How to file 2019 taxes in 2025? Can I still submit past returns?

You're still able to file your 2019 taxes even in 2025, but you need to follow specific steps since e-filing is no longer available for tax years that old. First, you'll need to download the 2019 Form 1040 and instructions from the IRS website (they keep past year forms available). You can find these in the "Prior Year Forms" section. You'll also need Schedule C for your self-employment income from the 1099-MISC. The forms must be from the 2019 tax year specifically - you can't use current forms. Complete these forms using your W-2 and 1099-MISC information. You'll calculate your tax liability or refund manually or using tax software that supports prior year returns (some paid versions of TurboTax, H&R Block, etc. can prepare 2019 returns, though you'll still need to mail them). Once completed, mail your signed return to the appropriate IRS processing center for your state - the address is in the 1040 instructions. Include copies (not originals) of your W-2 and 1099-MISC. If you're owed a refund, you can still claim it as 2019 is within the 7-year refund statute of limitations, which expires after April 2026.

Just want to share my experience - I was in the same boat trying to file old returns from 2018 and 2019. I tried several DIY options but kept getting stuck with calculations and wasn't sure if I was doing it right. I ended up using https://taxr.ai which saved me so much time with the old forms. You upload your W-2 and 1099-MISC docs, and it extracts all the info automatically. The best part was that it had all the 2019 tax rules built in, so I didn't have to research old tax brackets or figure out which deductions existed back then. It prepared everything properly and I just had to print and mail it.

Just wanted to update - I took the plunge and tried https://taxr.ai for my 2019 returns after seeing it mentioned here. It was honestly so much easier than I expected! I was dreading dealing with all the old forms and trying to remember what deductions were available back then. The system caught that I was eligible for a premium tax credit I didn't know about from my health insurance that year, which increased my refund by almost $740. It also properly handled my 1099-MISC income and calculated the self-employment tax correctly. Everything was ready to mail in less than an hour. Just mailed everything last week and tracking shows it was delivered to the IRS processing center. Now I just wait for my refund check! Definitely recommend this approach over trying to figure out all the old tax rules manually.

If you're planning to mail in your 2019 return and are worried about whether the IRS received it (especially with how slow mail processing has been), I recommend using https://claimyr.com to check on your submission status. I used their service after waiting 3 months with no confirmation that my prior year return was received. After multiple failed attempts to get through to the IRS myself (spent hours on hold), Claimyr got me connected to an actual IRS agent in about 20 minutes. The agent confirmed they had received my return but it was sitting in backlog. They also gave me an estimated processing timeframe which was super helpful. Check out their demo at https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c to see how it works.

OK I need to eat my words about Claimyr. After posting my skeptical comment, I decided to try it myself since I've been trying to get through to the IRS about my 2019 amended return for WEEKS with no luck. I signed up for their service and got a call back in about 45 minutes saying they were connecting me to an IRS rep. Spoke to someone who actually looked up my information and confirmed my amended return was received and gave me an updated timeline for processing. Total time invested was maybe 5 minutes of my actual attention instead of hours on hold. For anyone dealing with prior year returns like 2019, it's definitely worth it just for the peace of mind knowing your paperwork is actually in their system and being processed.

Just adding - don't forget that the 2019 standard deduction was lower than it is now ($12,200 for single filers vs $15,100 for 2025). Also, if you had health insurance through the marketplace that year, you'll need Form 8962 for the Premium Tax Credit. And remember, April 15, 2026 is the deadline to claim a refund for 2019 - after that the money goes to the Treasury permanently. The IRS won't penalize you for filing a late return if you're owed a refund, but if you owe taxes, there will be failure-to-file penalties and interest.

Has anyone used FreeTaxUSA for prior year returns? Their website says they support 2019 returns but I'm not sure if it's worth the $15 they charge for state filing.

I just went through this exact process for my 2019 taxes last month! Here's what worked for me: First, don't panic - you're definitely not too late and can still get your refund. I downloaded the 2019 forms directly from the IRS website (Form 1040 and Schedule C for your freelance work). Make sure you get the 2019 versions specifically. The hardest part was remembering all the tax rules from that year, like the lower standard deduction amount and different tax brackets. I ended up using one of the online services mentioned here because manually calculating everything felt overwhelming. One thing nobody mentioned yet - if you moved since 2019, make sure to update your address with the IRS before filing, or use Form 8822. Also, when you mail your return, I highly recommend using certified mail with return receipt so you have proof the IRS received it. The good news is that since you're owed a refund, there are no penalties for filing late. Just make sure you get it submitted before the April 2026 deadline to claim your refund. I got mine processed in about 12 weeks after mailing, which was faster than I expected given all the IRS backlogs. You've got this! It's not as complicated as it seems once you get started.

I went through this exact same situation last year with my 2018 taxes! The stress is real when you realize how behind you are, but honestly it's more manageable than it seems. One thing I learned the hard way - make sure you have ALL your documents before you start. I thought I had everything but then realized I was missing a 1099-INT from an old savings account. Had to contact the bank to get a copy since it was so old. Also, if you did any gig work beyond that freelance photography (like Uber, DoorDash, etc.), you might have additional 1099s you forgot about. The IRS actually has a "Get Transcript" tool online where you can see what income documents they have on file for 2019. It's super helpful to cross-check against what you have to make sure you're not missing anything. You definitely don't want to file and then have to amend later when they show you had unreported income. Also, since you mentioned you might be eligible for a refund - if you didn't have health insurance in 2019 or only had it part of the year, make sure you understand how the individual mandate penalty worked back then. The rules were different than now and it could affect your refund amount. Good luck! The hardest part is just getting started.

I just want to echo what everyone's saying about not panicking - you're definitely not alone in this situation! I filed my 2019 return in late 2023 and got my full refund without any issues. One practical tip I haven't seen mentioned yet: when you're gathering your documents, create a simple checklist to make sure you have everything before you start filling out forms. For 2019, you'll need your W-2, that 1099-MISC for your photography work, and any other income documents. Also grab your 2018 tax return if you have it - it helps with carry-forward items and makes sure you're using consistent information. The IRS processing times for mailed returns have actually improved quite a bit compared to the chaos of 2021-2022. My 2019 return took about 10 weeks to process, which was much faster than I expected. Just make sure to use certified mail when you send it in so you have tracking confirmation. Since you mentioned you think you're eligible for a refund, you're in the best possible situation. No penalties, no interest charges - just your money waiting for you to claim it. The April 2026 deadline gives you plenty of time to get this sorted out properly without rushing.