03/27/2025
Tax pros! Due to COVID, the filing deadlines for 2019 and 2020 were extended. The deadline for 2021 was NOT. That means that the statute of limitations for 2021 expires on April 15th, 2025. If you are preparing multiple years for a client, I recommend that you prioritize 2021 and 2024. You want to prioritize 2024 in case your client owes. That will prevent late filing penalties. You want to prioritize 2021, because THIS IS IT! If a refund is expected for 2021, and the return is sent AFTER April 15th 2025, the client is not entitled to that refund. Additionally, at that point, the 2021 'refund' CANNOT be applied to any balances.
Maybe software-wise, it will be a little tough to do that 2021, then move to 2024, but trust me, if you really care about the quality of your work, that little bit of difficulty will be worth it. THAT, if for no other reason, is why I charge extra for prior-year returns.