Register for STAR, enroll in STAR Credit Direct Deposit, check property tax registration status, update your information, and more. You may be able to file for free, though you might have to pay for postage to mail in the printed return. But if you’re on the hook for a tax bill and you skip out on filing, the IRS may charge you interest and penalties.

Not everyone has to file a tax return

We believe everyone how many years can you file back taxes should be able to make financial decisions with confidence. A Tax Consultant will call you shortly to provide a no cost or obligation consultation. If you have less than $10,000 in back taxes, we have forwarded your info to our trusted partner that specializes in resolving smaller tax liabilities.

• Nothing included herein should be taken as a guarantee, warranty, prediction or representation about the results of your situation.
• Filing a tax return late and paying a tax bill late are two different things with two different sets of penalties.
• Filing a tax return on time is important to avoid or minimize penalties, even if you can’t pay the balance you owe.
• For example, people in Southern California who have been affected by the wildfires that began on Jan. 7 have until Oct. 15, 2025, to file their federal tax returns.
• For example, if your income is greater than your Standard Deduction you are likely required to file a tax return.

See if You Qualify for Tax Relief.

Someone on our team will connect you with a financial professional in our network holding the correct designation and expertise. Our writing and editorial staff are a team of experts holding advanced financial designations and have written for most major financial media publications. Our work has been directly cited by organizations including Entrepreneur, Business Insider, Investopedia, Forbes, CNBC, and many others.

Why You Can Trust Finance Strategists

In total, a married couple would have a standard deduction of $32,300 if they are bookkeeping both 65 or older. Single filers 65 or older get an extra $1,950 standard deduction, for a total deduction of $16,550. « There may be tax attributes in those years that carry forward, » he adds. The IRS says it typically takes six weeks to process past-due returns that don’t have errors. The IRS generally has 10 years to collect back taxes, after which the amount is usually wiped clean from a taxpayer’s history and the IRS writes it off. Michelle P. Scott is a New York attorney with extensive experience in tax, corporate, financial, and nonprofit law, and public policy.

Step 1 of 3

This IRS only allows you to claim refunds and tax credits within three years of the tax return’s original due date. By not filing within three years of the due date, you might end up missing out on a tax refund because you can no longer claim the lucrative tax credits or any excess withholding from your paycheck. The IRS requires you to file an annual tax return in various situations usually depending upon your income level. For example, if Bookkeeping for Veterinarians your income is greater than your Standard Deduction you are likely required to file a tax return. Also, if you have self-employment income of $400 or more then you are likely required to file a tax return.

• Back taxes refer to an outstanding federal or state tax liability from a prior year.
• The catch — and it’s a big one — is that you must still pay your taxes by April 15, even if you have an extension to file.
• Ensuring you have accurate information is crucial to avoiding errors and potential penalties, so take this step seriously.
• For example, to claim a refund for your 2020 taxes, you must file by April 15, 2024.
• A Tax Consultant will call you shortly to provide a no cost or obligation consultation.
• Once the back taxes are filed, options like installment plans or the Offer in Compromise provide avenues for manageable settlements.

Step 2: Determine deductions to reduce taxable income

• Form 4506-T allows you to request a transcript of your tax return information, even if you haven’t filed a tax return.
• You can check with the IRS or your local tax authority for a record of your filed returns.
• In these cases, filing a tax return could result in a tax refund that puts money in your bank account.
• Store receipts, statements, and other pertinent documents systematically, ensuring easy access when tax season rolls around.

It also offers Low-Income Taxpayer Clinics to help in this situation. When filing back taxes, make sure you use the original tax forms and instructions for the year you file. The IRS provides a database of prior-year forms on its website.