Best way to file past due taxes

The above article is intended to provide generalized financial information designed to educate a broad segment of the public; it does not give personalized tax, investment, legal, or other business and professional advice.

Skip To Main Content. Why you should file back taxes Filing back tax returns you haven't completed could help you do one of the following: 1. Claim a refund One practical reason to file a back tax return is to see if the IRS owes you a tax refund. Stop late filing and payment penalties and interest Filing a tax return on time is key to avoid penalties, even if you can't pay the balance you owe.

Have tax returns for loan applications Certain types of loans, such as mortgages and business loans, may require you to have documentation of your income as part of the approval process. Pay Social Security taxes to qualify for benefits Self-employed individuals have to pay Social Security taxes through their estimated tax payments and individual income tax returns.

How late can you file? How to file tax returns for previous years Filing a tax return for a previous year isn't as hard as you may think, but it does require a few steps. Gather information The first step is gathering any information from the year you want to file a tax return for. Request tax documents from the IRS Finding documents from previous years may be challenging for some.

Complete and file your tax return Once you have all the forms you need, be sure to use the tax forms from the year you're filing. Select the year you want to file a return for to get started. Then, input your tax information and TurboTax will properly fill out the tax forms. You will have to print out and mail in your tax return for previous years as e-filing prior year returns is not an option through TurboTax. All you need to know is yourself Answer simple questions about your life and TurboTax Free Edition will take care of the rest.

State additional. Looking for more information? But your specific facts and IRS rules will determine how far back you should file. Complete the return and submit it to the appropriate IRS unit. Complete your tax returns accurately. Attach a penalty relief request to the return, if applicable.

If you have one past-due return to file, you may qualify for penalty relief on any failure to file and failure to pay penalties. Send your return to the right IRS location.

Monitor return processing and other compliance activities. Periodically request your account transcripts or contact the appropriate IRS unit to make sure that the IRS processed your return.

If the IRS took prior actions on the unfiled return such as filing a substitute for return , follow up to ensure that the IRS closed the case with no matters outstanding. Make an appointment Or call Should I Start Filing Again? If the IRS files a substitute return, it is still in your best interest to file your own tax return to take advantage of any exemptions, credits and deductions you are entitled to receive.

The IRS will generally adjust your account to reflect the correct figures. The return we prepare for you our proposed assessment will lead to a tax bill, which, if unpaid, will trigger the collection process. This can include such actions as a levy on your wages or bank account or the filing of a notice of federal tax lien. If you need wage and income information to help prepare a past due return, complete Form T, Request for Transcript of Tax Return , and check the box on line 8.

You can also contact your employer or payer of income. If you need information from a prior year tax return, use Get Transcript to request a return or account transcript. If you received a notice, you should send us a copy of the past due return to the indicated address. More In File. Claim a Refund You risk losing your refund if you don't file your return. Contact ARM Lawyers today to schedule a consult with our experienced attorneys. We will provide you with the strength, confidence and charisma you are looking for, whether you have a criminal, family or other legal concern.

Contact our law firm today for legal counsel from attorneys with over years of combined experience. Call or use the email form to schedule a consultation!

Map and Directions. Riegel Nicholas J. Best Joshua B. Goldberg Brandie J. Belanger Jason R. Costanzo Lauren Allu David M. Gaspar, Jr. Leona Sharpstene John R. Best, Esq. Social Security Disability with Patrick J. Tax Talk with Patrick J. We would use these transcripts to assist us in preparing your unfiled tax returns What happens after I file back tax returns?