Behind on Filing Your Tax Returns? We Can Help You Catch Up.
If you haven’t filed one or more tax returns, you’re not alone. Many taxpayers fall behind because of financial hardship, illness, divorce, the loss of records, or simply not knowing where to start. Regardless of the reason, the IRS expects taxpayers to file required tax returns, even if they cannot pay the taxes owed.
As an Enrolled Agent (EA), I am federally authorized to represent taxpayers before the IRS. I help individuals, self-employed taxpayers, and small business owners prepare and file delinquent tax returns, become compliant with IRS filing requirements, and develop a plan to resolve any outstanding tax debt.
The sooner you address unfiled returns, the more options you may have to resolve your tax situation.
Why Filing Your Past-Due Tax Returns Matters
Ignoring unfiled tax returns can lead to serious financial consequences. The IRS may:
- Assess Failure-to-File penalties
- Charge interest on unpaid taxes
- File a Substitute for Return (SFR) using only the income information available to them
- Begin collection actions
- Issue wage levies or bank levies
- File a federal tax lien
- Offset future tax refunds
- Delay your ability to qualify for IRS payment plans or other tax relief programs
Filing your tax returns is often the first step toward resolving your IRS tax problems.
We Help With
Our services include assistance with:
- One or multiple years of unfiled tax returns
- Individual tax returns
- Self-employed tax returns
- Small business tax returns
- IRS Substitute for Return (SFR) cases
- Missing tax documents
- IRS notices regarding unfiled returns
- Taxpayers who owe money to the IRS
- Taxpayers expecting a refund
- IRS compliance issues
Whether you’re one year behind or ten years behind, we’ll evaluate your situation and recommend the best path forward.
Our Process
1. Review Your IRS Account
We’ll determine which tax years remain unfiled and review your IRS account to understand your filing and collection history.
2. Gather Your Tax Information
We’ll help identify the documents needed to prepare accurate tax returns. If records are missing, we’ll discuss available alternatives and use IRS wage and income information when appropriate.
3. Prepare Your Returns
Each return is prepared carefully using the information available and applicable tax laws for that filing year.
4. File Your Past-Due Returns
We’ll file your completed returns and ensure you become compliant with IRS filing requirements.
5. Resolve Any Remaining Tax Debt
If taxes are owed after filing, we’ll discuss available IRS resolution options, including:
- Installment Agreements
- Offer in Compromise
- Penalty Abatement
- Currently Not Collectible (CNC) status
- Other collection alternatives available under IRS rules
Common Reasons People Fall Behind
Many taxpayers delay filing because of:
- Financial hardship
- Job loss
- Divorce
- Serious illness
- Death of a family member
- Missing tax records
- Self-employment challenges
- Fear of owing the IRS
- Multiple years of accumulated tax problems
No matter the reason, it’s never too late to begin addressing your tax situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many years can I file late tax returns?
The IRS generally allows taxpayers to file past-due returns, but the number of years that should be filed depends on your individual circumstances and IRS requirements.
What if I can’t find my W-2s or other tax documents?
Missing tax records are common. We can often obtain IRS wage and income transcripts and discuss additional methods for reconstructing the information needed to prepare your returns.
What happens if the IRS filed a Substitute for Return?
A Substitute for Return is often prepared using limited income information and generally does not include many deductions or credits you may qualify for. Filing your own original return may result in a more accurate tax liability.
What if I owe more than I can afford to pay?
Many taxpayers still have options. Once your returns are filed, we can review available IRS payment plans and other tax resolution programs based on your financial circumstances.
Can I still receive a refund?
Possibly. Refund claims are subject to IRS filing deadlines. We’ll review your tax years and determine whether you’re still eligible to claim any available refunds.
Why Choose an Enrolled Agent?
An Enrolled Agent is federally licensed by the U.S. Department of the Treasury and has unlimited representation rights before the IRS.
When you work with our office, you’ll receive:
- Professional IRS representation
- Accurate preparation of past-due tax returns
- Personalized guidance throughout the filing process
- Assistance responding to IRS notices
- A customized plan to resolve your tax issues
- Ongoing support until your case is complete
Our goal is to help you become compliant while reducing stress and identifying the best available solution for your unique situation.
Schedule Your Confidential Consultation
If you have unfiled tax returns, don’t wait for the IRS to take additional collection action. Taking the first step now can help you regain compliance and move toward resolving your tax obligations.
Whether you’re behind one year or several years, we’re here to help.
Contact us today to schedule your confidential consultation and let an experienced Enrolled Agent help you get back on track.
