No, you cannot electronically file your 2017 taxes in 2026. The IRS only accepts electronic filings for the current tax year and the two previous years as of 2026.
Can I file 2017 taxes in 2021?
Yes, you could file your 2017 tax return in 2021, but only until May 17, 2021. After that deadline, you lost the ability to claim a refund for tax year 2017.
If you got an extension, your deadline was October 15, 2021. After those dates, the IRS considers the refund forfeited—though you could still file the return, it wouldn’t get you a refund. You also couldn’t apply any potential refund to other tax years once the deadline passed.
Can I file for 2017 taxes in 2020?
Yes, you could file for tax year 2017 in 2020. As of 2026, that rule still applies retroactively to earlier years.
The IRS lets you file returns for the current tax year plus up to three years prior to claim a refund. So in 2020, you could file for 2019, 2018, and 2017. The refund window for 2017 closed on May 17, 2021.
Can I file my 2017 w2 in 2020?
No, you cannot include a 2017 W-2 with a 2020 tax return. The W-2 belongs to tax year 2017 and must be filed with your 2017 return.
If you accidentally filed your 2020 return without reporting 2017 income, you need to file an amended 2017 return using Form 1040-X. You only had until May 17, 2021 (or October 15, 2021 with an extension) to file that amended return and still claim a refund for 2017.
How far back can you file taxes?
The IRS generally expects you to file the last six tax returns to be in good standing. That said, there’s no legal limit on how far back you can file.
In cases of suspected fraud or underreported income, the IRS can go back further than six years. Even if you haven’t filed for six years, the IRS may still require you to catch up. Filing older returns is possible but usually needs special handling or professional help.
Can I file 2017 taxes online?
No, you cannot electronically file a 2017 tax return in 2026. The IRS only accepts e-filing for the current tax year and the two previous years.
You can still prepare your 2017 return using tax software, but you’ll need to print it and mail it to the IRS. The IRS shut down the e-file system for prior-year returns after October 15, 2018. If you need to amend your 2017 return, you must use Form 1040-X and mail it in.
Can I amend my 2017 tax return in 2021?
Yes, you could amend your 2017 tax return in 2021, as the deadline was May 17, 2021.
You generally have three years from the original filing deadline to amend a return and claim a refund. For 2017, that deadline was May 17, 2021. If you owe additional tax, there’s no time limit for the IRS to assess penalties, so filing sooner reduces potential interest and penalties.
What happens if I don’t file one of my w2s?
If you omit a W-2, the IRS will likely notice because they receive copies from employers. You may not face a penalty if you don’t owe money, but you risk losing your refund after three years.
The IRS matches W-2s to your tax return. If they spot unreported income, they may send you a notice and adjust your return, which could leave you with a balance due or a smaller refund. You have three years from the original due date to file an amended return and claim a refund, or you lose it for good.
How can I get old w2 if not filed?
You can request a copy of your W-2 from the IRS by filing Form 4506. There’s a fee, and processing takes up to 75 days.
If you don’t have your employer’s contact info, try requesting a wage transcript from the IRS using Form 4506-T—it’s free but doesn’t give you the actual W-2. You may need to contact the Social Security Administration if the employer no longer exists.
Does the income from last year’s return still apply?
Yes, you must report all 2025 income on your 2025 tax return, including unemployment and other earnings.
Even if you filed a return last year, you need to include all income from the current tax year. That affects credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit (CTC). If your income changed a lot, it could change your refund or balance due.
Can I file my taxes from 3 years ago?
Yes, you can file taxes from three years ago, but only to claim a refund within the three-year window.
You can file older returns anytime, but the IRS won’t issue refunds for returns filed more than three years after the original due date. After six years, the IRS may take collection action if you owe taxes. Filing older returns usually requires special handling or professional help.
What happens if you don’t file taxes for 3 years?
After three years, you can no longer claim a refund for that tax year. If you owe taxes, you’ll still need to file and pay to avoid penalties and interest.
The IRS charges failure-to-file penalties of 5% per month (up to 25%) on unpaid balances. Even if you don’t owe, not filing can complicate future tax returns or loan applications. The IRS can go back further than three years if they suspect fraud or underreported income.
What happens if you don’t file taxes and you don’t owe money?
If you don’t owe money, not filing usually doesn’t result in penalties. That said, you risk losing your refund after three years.
The IRS may still send you a “substitute for return” based on reported income, which could leave you with a balance due if deductions or credits aren’t applied. If you’re due a refund, you must file to claim it—otherwise, it’s gone after three years.
What forms do I need to file 2017 taxes?
| Form | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Form 1040 | Original U.S. Individual Income Tax Return for 2017 |
| Form 1040-X | Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return if correcting a 2017 return |
| Form 4506 | Request a copy of your 2017 tax return (fee applies) |
| Form 4506-T | Request a wage and income transcript for 2017 (free) |
| Schedule 1, 2, or 3 | Additional income, adjustments, or credits not covered on Form 1040 |
