Can I still e-file a 2010 or earlier year tax return?

Individual Returns (Forms 1040, 1040A, and 1040EZ)

No. The IRS only accepts e-filed individual tax returns during a 9-month period from mid-January through mid-October after the end of the current tax year.

For example, the 2010 tax year ended on December 31, 2010. Therefore individual 2010 tax returns could only be e-filed from mid-January, 2011 through mid-October, 2011. After the mid-October shutdown, individual 2010 returns must be paper-filed.

If you still need to prepare a 2010 or earlier tax return, you can purchase recent prior-year software and install it on your computer. TurboTax Online is not available for prior-year tax returns.

Business Returns (Forms 1120, 1120S, and 1065)

Business returns for the current and prior two tax years can be e-filed year-round.