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File Prior-Year Tax Returns Back to 2016

Federal prior-year filing is free. Supported state returns are $15.99 where available.

At a Glance

  • No income limits. No hidden fees. One simple price for state.
  • Pick a year, prepare online, and e-file or print and mail.
  • Choose your tax year after signing in — we support 2016 through 2025.
  • Powered by an IRS-authorized e-file provider since 1996.

Current-year state returns are $12.99. Supported prior-year state returns are $15.99.

E-file available

2023 - 2025

Can generally be e-filed while the IRS keeps that year open. Supported state returns vary by state and may require mailing.

Print and mail

2016 - 2022

These older returns must be prepared online, then printed and mailed. Older state availability varies by state.

Pick Your Tax Year

Each year has its own filing method and refund-claim deadline — see the guide for the year you need.

How Prior-Year Filing Works

1

Choose the tax year you need

Pick the return year you missed or need to revisit, going back to 2016.

2

Prepare the return online

Complete the federal return first, then add a state return if supported.

3

E-file or print and mail

Recent years can generally be e-filed. Older years must be printed and mailed.

Frequently Asked Questions

MyFreeTaxReturn.com supports returns back to 2016. Recent filing years (2023–2025) can generally still be e-filed, while older years must be prepared online and then printed and mailed.
Federal prior-year filing is free. Supported prior-year state returns cost $15.99 each where available.
Prior-year state returns are available in many states. Availability varies by state and tax year, and older state returns may require mailing.
Recent filing years (2023–2025) can generally still be e-filed while the IRS keeps that year open. Returns for 2022 and earlier usually must be printed and mailed.
If you already filed a return and need to correct it, use the amendment workflow instead of starting a new original prior-year return.

Have more questions? Browse general FAQs

Need to File an Older Return?

Start your prior-year return online, then e-file or mail it based on the tax year rules that apply.

Start a Prior-Year Return