| Never send the IRS your unfiled tax | | | | return to. This will prevent you from |
| returns. Why? Filing them without | | | | having to undo it later. Or worse, the |
| knowing your collection and return | | | | rejection of your newly filed return. |
| status could be costly. | | | | So be prepared to discuss your current |
| If you've filed all your previous | | | | financial situation. It's best to have |
| returns and don't owe any money, and you | | | | your income and expenses on a monthly |
| can full pay any balance shown on this | | | | average basis calculated already. |
| return, then you can file it now without | | | | Getting your record of account to verify |
| a problem. | | | | what is under your social security |
| If there are other years not filed and | | | | number will not alert the IRS that you |
| you owe on any of them, or you owe on | | | | are delinquent. Knowing your current |
| past years, you should find out your | | | | status with the IRS concerning your |
| current status with the IRS collection | | | | filings and payment history is |
| division before filing. You or your | | | | essential. |
| power of attorney should get your record | | | | When you are ready to file your unfiled |
| of account for many prior years. | | | | returns and you are missing information, |
| The record of account will show the | | | | you can request a record of information |
| charges and payments to each year. It | | | | sent to the IRS from third parties. This |
| will also show if you filed or the IRS | | | | includes W-2'S, 1099'S, K-1'S, etc. You |
| filed a return for you. If any of the | | | | are also allowed to estimate amounts |
| years indicate that you didn't file, the | | | | that you can't calculate. There is an |
| a return needs to be filed. But... | | | | art to preparing unfiled returns. Make |
| WAIT... Not Yet. | | | | sure you have help from a tax preparer |
| If you have any unfiled returns that | | | | experienced in this area. I have made |
| show up on your record of account, your | | | | corrections to many poorly prepared |
| payment plan, if you think you have one, | | | | returns that would probably have caused |
| is invalid! Make sure you are able to | | | | an IRS audit. |
| discuss how you will make payments to | | | | In conclusion... Do not file any unfiled |
| pay off all of the outstanding balances. | | | | personal income tax returns without |
| The trick is to get all delinquent | | | | first requesting a record of account |
| liability years included under one | | | | from the IRS and making sure that you |
| agreement. This will stop future | | | | understand what has been filed, if the |
| collection action, assuming you file and | | | | IRS filed it, and how you are going to |
| pay your taxes, and make your monthly | | | | present your arguments for paying back |
| payment on time. | | | | the liability. |
| Calling the IRS will also determine if | | | | You probably want to consult an expert |
| they are in the process of preparing a | | | | advisor before you take any action in |
| return for you. If so, they will have a | | | | thesematters. |
| special address for you to send the | | | | |