Why sign in to the Community?

  • Submit a question
  • Check your notifications
Sign in to the Community or Sign in to TurboTax and start working on your taxes
Level 2
posted Apr 3, 2024 10:11:48 AM

How many years to file back taxes?

I'm helping a family member with their taxes. They are in their 30s and have never filed a tax return. How many years do we need to go back? I also was looking into the voluntary disclosure program as well. 

0 16 19049
16 Replies
Moderator
Apr 3, 2024 10:30:19 AM

As per the CRA, you can go back 10 years to file your income tax return. Here is the link to the past years' returns which will need to be completed by hand. The last 7 years can be filed with TurboTax - here is the link to the past years.

 

Thank you for choosing TurboTax.

Level 2
Apr 3, 2024 10:37:35 AM

Does the CRA require you to go back 10 years though? You can go back 10 years, but how many years do they require you to go back?

Moderator
Apr 3, 2024 11:32:19 AM

If you worked, or even if you did not and just did a basic zero-income return- you can still be entitled to some credits and might get a refund. We would suggest that you contact the CRA at 1-800-959-8281 so that they can give you specifics in your case.

 

Thank you for choosing TurboTax.

New Member
Jun 27, 2024 9:45:09 AM

Nine years

New Member
Jun 27, 2024 9:46:48 AM

I like to go back nine years

New Member
Jun 27, 2024 9:47:15 AM

No, they haven’t requested nothing

New Member
Jun 27, 2024 10:02:26 AM

Nine years

Moderator
Jul 3, 2024 6:23:10 AM

You can get from 2017 to 2023 tax packages from TurboTax found here.

 

You must go to the CRA website to print out the older income tax packages for tax years 2015 and 2016 and mail them in. 

 

Thank you for choosing TurboTax.

Returning Member
Aug 28, 2024 8:28:04 AM

I've checked the CRA link, been all through its website. There is no indication anywhere that you are limited to filing tax returns for only 10 years back.  Calling required a 1 to 2 hour wait time to ask a simple question. Chatbot Charlie was useless.  I can download fillable PDF forms as far back as 2011.  I can download unfillable PDF forms that go back even further. 

Could you please explain where you get the information that one can only file back 10 years?  I'm helping a friend work through some of the processes. He hasn't filed taxes in about 14/15 years, but has not earned an income in those years either.  He has recently filed back to 2017 electronically, to 2014 by paper.  Would like to go back further.

Much appreciated

Moderator
Aug 28, 2024 8:53:02 AM

If you send in income tax returns older than 10 years, however, you will not be able to get any credits or refunds from those years. 

Here is the CRA link.

 

Thank you for choosing TurboTax.

Returning Member
Aug 28, 2024 9:13:07 AM

Thank you so much and for the prompt response.  This link is more direct.   Based on this, he can still file his 2013 tax return before the end of this year and may still be considered to get any benefits?

Moderator
Aug 28, 2024 9:26:09 AM

No, as it will be filed in the 2024 calendar year.

Returning Member
Aug 28, 2024 9:42:24 AM

Ok, got it now. You've been very helpful.  Have a great day

Moderator
Aug 28, 2024 9:48:30 AM

Thank you. You also 🙂 

New Member
Sep 19, 2024 11:50:01 AM

Can you provide a CRA reference on the 10 year period on filing the tax returns.

Level 2
Sep 19, 2024 12:01:47 PM