What Happens If You Don't File a Tax Return?

IRS problems increase if you do not file a tax return.information documents in something called
Statutes of limitations or timelines are allowed by theComputerized Information Returns Program (IRP). A
Tax Code so the IRS can go after nonfilers.Taxpayer Deliquency Investigation (TDI) is commenced
Criminal: Criminal charges may be brought against youif no filed tax return is found. You will be contacted
within six years of the date that the tax return neededwith IRS notices, missives, and telephone calls, and a
to be paid.revenue officer will ultimately start searching for you.
Civil: There will be no deadlines but civil penalties may- If you don't respond to one of the 4 ways used by
be imposed. The taxes you need to pay will bethe IRS to notify nonfilers, others will be used:
forever assessed with interest and penalties.- A Service Center written request. You'll receive
IRS policy: The IRS does not normally pursue a nonfilerthree notices in a 16-week period.
after 6 years from the filing deadline.- A taxpayer service representative will call you. A
Not filing a tax return is a criminal offense punishabledeadline to file the tax returns will be set..
by one year in prison for each unfiled year and a fine- Call or visit from a revenue agent or officer. You'll be
of $25000 each year. If you need to pay taxes andgiven a deadline to file your returns with an officer or
you filed your tax return but did not pay them, there isthey will offer to assist you prepare the returns. (If you
no criminal penalty. Still, the tax debt is assessed withstill do not file the returns, the IRS can legally prepare
penalties and interest.them for you.)
How the IRS pursues nonfilers are:- A special agent will pay you a visit. If this happens, it
- Tax returns you've filed are matched againstmeans you're subject to a criminal investigation.