Tax Problems >> Tax Return Filing & Audits >>Tax Returns >> Non-Filed or Old Year Returns
In addition to current-year returns, all our tax preparation services are available for old years and even decades at a time. It is common for some irregular event in a taxpayer's past to cause a period of non-filing (family death, divorce, medical issues, etc.). Other times, taxpayers who cannot afford to pay their taxes stop filing on purpose to avoid collections enforcement. No matter the reason for the delinquent filings, it is almost always in the best interest of the party involved to immediately get the delinquent tax returns prepared.
Among the biggest concerns to taxpayers that fall out of filing compliance is the potential criminal problems relating to failing to file. Relax. The fact is that so long as a person takes the initiative to get any delinquent tax returns accurately prepared and filed, the chances of a criminal issue existing are pretty much zero. The sooner that a person gets back into full filing compliance under their own will, the less chance that this type of problem will arise.
Intentional non-filing due to a lack of capability to pay is generally illegal and a bad idea. It can delay the taxing authorities from immediate pursuit of a taxpayer for collections, but comes at a stiff price, as a late-filed tax return is typically subjected to very substantial penalties and interest. Instead of allowing the debt to be compounded in this manner, one may be better off filing the tax returns, acknowledging the unaffordable tax debt owed and requesting relief under one of the many tax amnesty programs available.
If you need help filing old years returns, contact our office for help.
