Unfiled Tax Returns
Haven't filed taxes in years? You're not alone, and it's not too late to get back on track. We help taxpayers file delinquent returns and resolve the resulting debt.
Get Help Filing Past-Due Returns
Why You Need to File
The longer you wait to file, the worse the situation becomes. Here's what happens when you have unfiled tax returns:
The IRS Files for You (SFR)
If you don't file, the IRS can prepare a Substitute for Return (SFR) on your behalf. These returns don't include deductions, credits, or exemptions you're entitled to — meaning you'll owe more than you should.
Penalties and Interest Accumulate
Failure-to-file penalties (5% per month, up to 25%) and interest compound over time. After several years, penalties can exceed the original tax owed.
You Lose Refunds
If you're owed a refund, you only have 3 years to claim it. After that, the money goes to the Treasury and you lose it forever.
Collection Actions Can Begin
The IRS can start collection actions including wage garnishment, bank levies, and property seizures for unfiled returns.
Our Process for Unfiled Returns
We make getting caught up as painless as possible. Here's how we help:
Pull IRS Records
We obtain wage and income transcripts from the IRS to see exactly what they have on file for each year.
Gather Documentation
We help you collect any additional documents needed for deductions and credits.
Prepare & File Returns
We prepare accurate returns for all delinquent years, maximizing deductions and minimizing your liability.
Resolve the Debt
Once filed, we help you resolve any resulting tax debt through the best available option.
Common Concerns About Filing
"I'm afraid I'll go to jail"
Criminal prosecution for tax evasion is rare and typically reserved for extreme cases involving fraud or intentional deception. Voluntarily coming forward to file delinquent returns dramatically reduces any risk.
"I don't have all my records"
Don't worry — we can obtain wage and income transcripts directly from the IRS. In many cases, we can prepare accurate returns even without your original documents.
"I owe too much money"
The amount you owe after filing is often less than the IRS's estimates. Plus, there are many options for resolving tax debt, including payment plans and settlement programs.
"It's been too long"
It's never too late to get compliant. The IRS generally only requires the last 6 years of returns to consider you in compliance. We've helped clients who haven't filed in over a decade.
The Good News
Getting caught up is often easier than you think. Many clients discover they're owed refunds for some years, and the penalties and interest can often be reduced.
Typically required for IRS compliance
Than the IRS estimates you owe
Many discover they're owed money
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I need to file a lot of past-due returns?
The IRS generally only requires the last six years of returns to bring you into compliance, though the exact number can vary depending on your situation. We start by pulling your account transcripts directly from the IRS to determine precisely which years need to be filed. This saves you time and ensures we're only preparing what's actually necessary — not more, not less.
Should I wait to file or do it right away?
File as soon as possible. Failure-to-file and failure-to-pay penalties accrue daily, so every day you wait costs you more money. Beyond the financial impact, the IRS always views voluntary compliance more favorably than being forced into it. Filing on your own terms puts you in a stronger position for any future negotiations. It also starts the 10-year statute of limitations on collection for any balance due — the sooner that clock begins, the sooner it expires.
What happens if I never file my taxes?
Several things happen, none of them good. The IRS can file a Substitute for Return on your behalf — without your deductions or credits — resulting in a higher balance than you'd actually owe. Penalties and interest compound over time, often doubling or tripling the original amount. Any refunds you were owed expire after three years and are lost forever. Eventually, the IRS can begin collection actions including wage garnishment, bank levies, and federal tax liens. While criminal prosecution is rare, it remains a possibility in extreme cases. The bottom line: ignoring the problem only makes it worse.
Can the IRS file a return for me?
Yes — it's called a Substitute for Return (SFR). The IRS prepares these using income information they already have from W-2s, 1099s, and other third-party reports. The problem is that they won't include any deductions, credits, or exemptions you're entitled to. This almost always results in a significantly higher tax bill than if you had filed yourself. If the IRS has already filed an SFR, we can prepare and submit your actual return to replace it and potentially reduce what you owe.
Will I go to jail for not filing taxes?
Criminal prosecution for unfiled returns is rare and generally reserved for cases involving willful tax evasion — meaning deliberate fraud, hidden income, or outright deception. Simply falling behind on filing, even for many years, is not the same as criminal evasion. Voluntarily coming forward to file your delinquent returns is one of the strongest things you can do to protect yourself. It demonstrates good faith and makes criminal referral extremely unlikely.
How do I file returns if I've lost all my records?
Missing records is one of the most common reasons people put off filing, but it doesn't have to stop you. We can obtain wage and income transcripts directly from the IRS that show all income reported under your Social Security number for each tax year. These transcripts give us a reliable picture of your earnings, and in many cases, we can prepare accurate returns even without your original W-2s, 1099s, or receipts.
Do I also need to file state returns?
If you lived in a state with an income tax during any of the years you didn't file, then yes — you likely need to file state returns for those years as well. State filing requirements vary: some states follow federal deadlines and rules closely, while others have their own criteria. We can determine which state returns are needed based on your residency history and prepare them alongside your federal returns so everything gets resolved together.
Related Tax Relief Services
Once your returns are filed, these services can help resolve any resulting debt:
IRS Payment Plans
Once your returns are filed, we can help you set up affordable monthly payments with the IRS for any resulting balance — keeping you out of collections while you pay down what you owe.
Offer in Compromise
If the total tax debt from your unfiled years is more than you can realistically afford to pay, an Offer in Compromise may allow you to settle with the IRS for less than the full amount owed.
Penalty Abatement
Unfiled returns accumulate substantial failure-to-file penalties — up to 25% of the tax due for each year. We can request penalty abatement to reduce or eliminate these charges and lower your overall balance.
Ready to Get Caught Up?
Take the first step toward getting back on track with the IRS. We'll make it as painless as possible.