Using the correct tax forms for relevant years is essential if you do online tax filing for previous years. Tax software is one of the most reliable ways to make sure that you have the forms that you need. Individuals or small businesses who cannot afford accountants or do not want them can use tax filing software to:
- Generate their necessary forms
- Complete forms with entry screens that reflect the actual form
- Electronically file documents directly to agencies
Getting started with online tax filing previous years’ documents can be slow or overwhelming if you have a lot of tasks on your hands and are not used to handling it on your own. Investing in an easy-to-use, intuitive program will only work if it keeps you fully compliant and efficient.
Advanced Micro Solutions’ 1099-etc E-Filer software is the most affordable solution on the market and offers comprehensive filing capabilities.
Our e-file solution offers two options:
- E-File Direct (add-on module)
- E-File Services (via third-party vendor)
Steps For Online Tax Filing for Previous Years
Staying organized year-round will help you when it comes time to file your taxes for previous years. Following the steps outlined below should streamline your process.
Step 1: Gather all of your tax documents
Keeping records and accessing any of your old tax documents is easier if you have existing tax filing software. If you are online tax filing previous years’ documents and find that you may have misplaced an essential form, you can:
- Request necessary transcripts from the Internal Revenue Service
- Contact your prior employer or payer (if you are filing an individual return)
- Reach out to your tax software provider
Doing online tax filing for previous years does not need to create more headaches for you. If you used tax software in previous years, certain returns may be saved on your account or on your computer. Live experts can sometimes walk you through how to access them.
Step 2: Select your preferred tax filing method
Electronic filing options are not necessarily available for older returns, but you can still use tax filing software during the reporting process. An integrated system like ours will pair the E-Filer with other tools and let users generate and/or print forms on plain white paper directly from the printer.
Users who opt to work with a tax professional instead of using software that handles online tax filing for previous years may benefit from the professional:
- E-filing returns that are ineligible for self-preparation e-filing
- Helping gather missing information
- Discussing penalty relief options with back tax filers
Small businesses and individual filers may not have the budget to hire a CPA or other tax expert that can offer the support that they need with back taxes. Finding an affordable tax filing solution like we offer with 1099-etc software can go a long way to ensuring accuracy and compliance.
There is a less than 1% error rate for e-filed returns compared to 21% for paper returns.
Step 3: Minimize penalties and claim refunds
Getting up to date with online tax filing for previous years is easiest if you file forms as soon as possible. Users will only accrue heftier penalties and interest if they wait longer to file. Separate steps that you can explore when filing back taxes are:
- Requesting penalty relief
- Claiming your refund
Some users qualify for a reduction of penalties for their first complication. The Internal Revenue Service may grant you relief for reasonable circumstances, like a serious illness, if you have not made a habit of:
- Failing to file
- Not paying on time
Bear in mind that, if the Internal Revenue Service owes you a refund, there is no penalty for filing a late return. Make sure to file within three years of the original return’s due date.
Is E-Filing with AMS Right for Me?
There are a lot of moving parts when it comes to taking care of your online tax filing for previous years. Prioritize filing your most recent returns, particularly if you think any of the returns will get you a refund.
Most refunds arrive in less than 21 days when users e-file their returns.
Online tax filing previous years’ taxes requires users to determine what software features are the most important to them. A modular system like ours means that an E-Filer is just part of a broader suite of tools. For e-filing, we offer:
E-File Direct
- Flat fee
- Unlimited number of form filings
- Users can verify, view, and print files
E-File Services
- Volume pricing (fee per form)
- Forms are e-filed through a third-party vendor
- Different service levels available
Download our free 1099-etc Demo software to see how our e-file solution interacts with other modules, including:
- AMS Payroll
- Software Generated Forms
- Forms Filer Plus
- 1042-S Filer
- Affordable Care Act Filer