Unpaid Tax Returns - The Facts

It is a crime to not file your tax returns, so even if you cannot settle your taxes, file your return. You will be fined up to $25,000 each year and sentenced to one year in prison for each year that you didn't file if you do not file.

Nonfilers are found with the computerized Information Returns Program. This program matches W-2s with tax returns to determine if you've filed. A Taxpayer Delinquency Investigation is started if a return is not found. This is to look for you to ask why you didn't settle your taxes. You will be served a notice. If you do not respond to the notice, you will probably get phone calls or more correspondence. Do not think you're off the hook if you haven't heard from the IRS after a number of years since you've filed taxes. The IRS will find you in time.

Methods the IRS uses for notification:

• Written notices
• Letter notifying you of deadline or a phone call
• Phone call or visit from an agent informing you of deadline
• Visit from a special agent which means a criminal investigation

You do not want the IRS to file your taxes in your stead because you will end up settling higher taxes since they will be using standard deductions without dependents. Do not sign the return they mail to you, instead make your own and ask that it be accepted.

The hardest part of filing late tax returns is looking for the right forms and the information needed to accomplish the forms. Forms for the years you haven't filed will need to be obtained. You cannot use 2003's form for your 2005 return. You must be able to get the particular forms from your local IRS office, IRS website, or with the assistance of a tax professional.

Darrin T. Mish is a Nationally recognized Attorney whose practice focuses on representing clients across the United States with IRS Problems. He is AV rated by Martindale-Hubbel and is a member of the American Society of IRS Problem Solvers and the Tax Freedom Institute. He has been honored by a listing in Martindale-Hubbel's Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers. His passion is providing IRS help to taxpayers with both individual and payroll tax problems. He teaches attorneys, CPAs and Enrolled Agents in the finer aspects of IRS representation all around the United States. He can be reached at his website at http://www.getIRShelp.com