Filing your taxes is never a fun thing to do, but if you don’t file a return, you can expect the IRS will come calling. They have the authority to file a return on your behalf, with results that typically are in their best interest, not yours.
They have powerful collection tools and an unforgiving nature that makes this one of the worst mistakes anyone could make. Getting on their bad side isn’t hard; having years worth of unfiled tax returns only adds fuel to the fire!
The IRS is always on the lookout for taxpayers who haven’t filed the required income or payroll tax returns. If you have unfiled tax returns, it’s only a matter of time before they find out and demand the return with tax, penalties, and interest! When it gets to a point where the IRS contacts you, the amount they claim you owe will be far greater than the amount you actually owe if you haven’t filed. You don’t want to be in this situation, and unfortunately, in these circumstances, the amount they claim you owe is what you will have to pay unless you prove otherwise.
Before we jump into it, if you have back tax debt or years of unfiled tax returns, contact our firm for a consultation. You won’t have to talk to or meet with the IRS if you engage us, and our firm can provide the peace of mind you need to resolve your tax issue.
The longer you wait, the worse the situation will become. Here are some important steps to take if you have unfiled returns.
Get Your Documentation
If you’ve been neglecting your taxes for too long, it’s time to take care of things. An experienced tax resolution firm can help get things back on track and even if the records are missing or destroyed, there are alternative methods to reconstruct your tax return. However, only a tax resolution professional will be able to accomplish this.
If you are missing W-2 and 1099 forms from past years, an experienced tax resolution pro can retrieve these as well.
Go Through the Numbers
The fear of not having the money to pay has caused many people to avoid filing their returns altogether, but those worries are often misplaced.
According to IRS statistics, approximately one-third (34%) of all unfiled federal tax forms may be due a refund! Now that you have all the necessary documentation, it’s time to run the numbers. And while you may not be able to get exact figures without filing the returns, you can get an idea of how much you might owe.
Get Help with Unfiled Tax Returns
Whether you are an individual, a partnership, or a corporation, there is a strong temptation to let your past mistakes go. However, doing so could compromise both your financial security and freedom. It is a misdemeanor and possible jail time for failing to file legally required income tax returns. This can occur if you don’t file in an attempt to evade taxes intentionally. You don’t want this to happen to you!
The IRS will assess a 25% failure to file penalty as well as up to a 25% failure to pay penalty, plus interest. Just filing your return, even if you can’t pay, will save you big time!
When you’re dealing with back taxes, it’s important to have someone on your side who knows what they are doing. A tax resolution professional can give invaluable advice and guidance about how to lower the amount that the IRS claims you owe and the best steps moving forward for your situation.
You’re not alone in the battle against the IRS. The IRS is ready and waiting for you, so it’s best to have an expert on your side who knows how to get the help you need and deserve.
A tax resolution professional can advise about what needs to be done, from gathering documents like W-2s or 1099s, right down to making sure everything looks perfect when filing those unfiled returns.
Contacting the IRS on your own is not only a scary thought, it’s not recommended, but avoiding them will make your situation worse. When you don’t file your taxes and lose track of what’s owed to the government, it can have devastating consequences for both yourself personally and financially. The IRS stores detailed records of everyone in its database, and chances are, you are already on its radar due to your lack of compliance.
Filing those returns as soon as possible will go a long way in helping you get back on track before any more damage becomes irreversible. Filing your taxes might seem like a daunting task, but there is help for you. We offer a free consultation with one of our tax resolution experts. You don’t have to worry about confidentiality or cost because the consultation is entirely free. Schedule an appointment with one of our experts today.