Using 2013 version of Turbo Tax for late filing - will it still work?
Hey everyone, I'm in a bit of a bind. I need to file my 2013 state and federal taxes (yes, I know I'm super late). I was thinking of trying to get an old version of Turbo Tax or something similar from eBay to handle this. Has anyone done this before? Will an old version even work at this point? Also, since I've never used tax software before, I'm wondering if I need to worry about product keys, passwords, or other access issues with second-hand software. Any advice would be really appreciated since I have no clue what I'm getting myself into. Thanks!
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Hailey O'Leary
Filing for 2013 at this point is definitely possible, but there are some things you should know. While you can find old versions of Turbo Tax on places like eBay, these might come with some complications. Most tax software from that era does require product keys for installation, and if you're buying second-hand, there's no guarantee those keys haven't already been used (many had a limit on the number of returns they could process). A potentially better approach would be to download the 2013 tax forms directly from the IRS website and your state's tax department. They're still available in PDF format. For a return this old, you'll need to file by mail anyway, as electronic filing is typically only available for the current tax year and sometimes 2-3 years back.
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Cedric Chung
•But wouldn't using the software make it easier to calculate everything correctly? Those forms look intimidating! Also, if I buy the software and the key is already used, am I just out of luck? Is there any way to verify before buying?
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Hailey O'Leary
•Yes, the software definitely makes calculations easier, especially for more complicated returns. That's a valid point. If you decide to go the software route, try to buy from sellers with good ratings who specifically mention that the product key is unused or that they're selling an unopened package. As for verification before buying, that's unfortunately not really possible until you try to install it. Some sellers might be willing to guarantee the key works or offer a refund if it doesn't, so look for listings with those assurances.
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Talia Klein
After struggling with a similar situation last year (had to file 2015 returns), I found an amazing solution that saved me tons of headache. I tried looking for old software but ran into activation issues. Then I discovered taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai) which lets you upload your tax documents and it figures everything out - even for old tax years! They have specific support for prior year returns that made everything so much easier than trying to hunt down old software.
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Maxwell St. Laurent
•Does it actually work for returns that old? I thought most online services only go back like 3 years max. Can it handle state returns too or just federal?
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PaulineW
•I'm skeptical about these newer AI services. How do you know it's calculating everything correctly? Especially for an older tax year with different rules? I'd be worried about accuracy.
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Talia Klein
•Yes, it absolutely works for returns that old! When I uploaded my 2015 documents, it recognized everything correctly and applied the tax rules from that specific year. That was actually the most impressive part. Their system handles both federal and state returns, which saved me from having to figure out two separate processes. They maintain tax code databases going back many years, so the calculations follow the exact rules that were in place for that tax year.
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PaulineW
I need to publicly eat my words about taxr.ai. After expressing skepticism in my earlier comment, I decided to try it myself for some old returns I needed to file. I was genuinely amazed at how well it worked with my 2014 documents. The system correctly identified all my forms, applied the right tax rules for that year, and made the whole process way easier than I expected. The accuracy was spot-on when I double-checked some calculations. Definitely saved me from the headache of tracking down old software!
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Annabel Kimball
If you're filing a tax return from that far back, you might need to contact the IRS for some missing information or to deal with potential issues. I tried calling them about my 2012 return last year and spent DAYS trying to get through. Finally found Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) which got me connected to an actual IRS agent in about 20 minutes. Check out how it works here: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c - saved me from endless hold music and "call back later" messages when I needed to verify some information for my late filing.
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Chris Elmeda
•How does this service actually work? Like, are they just calling for you or what? I don't understand how they can get you through when the regular IRS line is always busy.
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Jean Claude
•Yeah right. Nothing gets you through to the IRS faster. They've designed their system specifically to make it impossible to talk to humans. I'll believe this works when pigs fly.
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Annabel Kimball
•They use an automated system that navigates the IRS phone tree and holds your place in line. When an agent is about to pick up, you get a call connecting you directly to them. It's basically like having someone wait on hold for you. The reason it works is because their system can keep dialing and waiting in ways that would be impossible for a person. It's not magic - just clever automation that works within the IRS's existing phone system.
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Jean Claude
Well I'm completely shocked. After dismissing Claimyr as impossible in my earlier comment, I decided to try it as a last resort when I needed info about penalties on my own late filing. Not only did it work, but I got connected to an IRS agent in 18 minutes after spending THREE DAYS trying on my own the week before. The agent was super helpful about my 2013 filing questions too. Never been so happy to be wrong about something. If you're dealing with old returns like this, being able to actually talk to someone at the IRS makes a huge difference.
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Charity Cohan
Important thing nobody's mentioned yet - if you're filing a 2013 return, make sure you're doing it because you're owed a refund! If you actually owe money, you might face significant penalties and interest for filing this late. The statute of limitations for claiming refunds is generally 3 years, so for 2013 that would have expired in 2017. However, if you're filing because you owe, there's no time limit on the IRS collecting.
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Marcus Marsh
•Wait, are you saying if I was owed a refund for 2013, I can't get it anymore? But if I owe THEM money, I still have to pay? That doesn't seem fair at all. How do I even know which situation I'm in before I file?
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Charity Cohan
•Yes, unfortunately that's exactly how it works. The IRS gives you 3 years to claim refunds, and after that window closes, you generally can't get that money. But they can still collect from you virtually forever (there's a 10-year statute of limitations on collection, but with many exceptions that can extend it). You won't know for certain which situation you're in until you prepare the return. That's why it might be worth working through the forms or using a service to calculate it first, before officially filing. If it turns out you owe a substantial amount with penalties, you might want to consult with a tax professional about your options.
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Josef Tearle
Has anyone used FreeTaxUSA for old returns? I heard they keep prior year versions available and their prices are way better than TurboTax. Wondering if it's a good alternative for 2013 filing?
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Shelby Bauman
•I used FreeTaxUSA for a 2014 return last year and it worked well. It was around $15 for the federal (they keep all the old tax year versions available) and another $15 for state if I remember right. Much cheaper than TurboTax. The interface isn't as fancy but it gets the job done and had all the forms I needed.
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