TAX PROBLEMSUnfiled Taxes
If it’s been a while since you filed a tax return, the thought of getting caught up can be daunting. Luckily, it’s not too late to get back on track, and even earn some extra cash.
Why You Should File
The main reason you should file your taxes? Because you have to.
It’s illegal not to file a tax return with the IRS, even if you don’t owe anything. You could actually face criminal charges up to six years after the return is due, and the IRS can collect debt from returns even older than that.
Filing on time every year also helps you avoid monthly 5% penalties and accrued interest that will put you even further in the hole. Plus, if you’re self-employed, failing to file means you’ll miss out on earning credits toward Social Security retirement or disability benefits.
But even if you haven’t filed for a few years, it may not be too late to recoup some cash. You can still receive tax refunds if you file within three years of the return’s original due date.
How to File Old Taxes
Typically, the IRS only cares about tax returns from the previous six years, so first, focus on that time frame before anything else.
Next, assemble the documents you’ll need to file from those previous years. You can even contact the IRS to request copies of your wage and income transcripts, which will help you get information from your W-2, 1099 or other tax documents.
Lastly, we recommend working with a tax expert who can research your exact situation, help locate any missing paperwork and set up a plan so you never miss Tax Day again.
Get Help
Let us help you with your missing returns — schedule a free consultation with one of our tax experts.
Finding the right tax professional begins with asking the right questions.
Still deciding? Read our Founders Letter to learn more about what we do.
TaxQuotes is a specialized team of tax professionals committed to resolving IRS and state tax issues. As innovators in the tax industry with over 50 years of combined experience, we are experts at resolving a wide range of tax problems, including:
- Unpaid tax balances
- Unfiled tax returns
- Penalties and penalty relief issues
- Underreporter notices
- Business and payroll tax issues
- IRS and state tax issues
Our service costs vary based on the complexity of your situation. The first step is to get your IRS records, evaluate your situation, and provide a customized resolution plan according to your specific situation. The cost for this service varies but it’s an important first step in thoroughly understanding your unique situation and what options are available to you.
Once we have discussed your situation with you, we will propose one fee to resolve your entire situation. You have no obligation to purchase unless you accept our plan, and you can pay your fees over the time it takes us to complete your case. Your tax consultant can estimate how long your case will take and the fee structure for our services.
Resolution time for tax issues varies based on the complexity of the case. Straightforward matters take a few weeks, while intricate issues may take a year or more. To streamline the process, our team will file a power-of-attorney authorization with the IRS, allowing us to work directly on your behalf.
When you owe back taxes, the IRS offers several options other than full payment. These include payment plans, extensions to pay, and hardship programs, such as not-collectible status and a tax settlement option called an Offer in Compromise. We will evaluate each option with you and get you the best option based on your circumstances.
Absolutely. Our tax resolution experts review your notice, assess your situation and work with you on a plan to resolve your situation. Once you engage us for services, we get right to work with you and the IRS. Our tax resolution specialists stick with you from beginning to end.
Each person’s circumstances are different. Our goal is to get you the best outcome available based on your circumstances. If you owe back taxes, we will review your unique situation for any potential relief.
