Service Main Image

Unfiled Tax Returns: Risks, Penalties & How to Get Compliant

Failing to file your federal or state income tax returns can trigger a cascade of consequences—penalties, interest, collection actions, and even criminal exposure. Our IRS Unfiled Returns service helps you:

  • Get caught up on late filings
  • Minimize or eliminate penalties
  • Unlock relief programs such as Offer in Compromise or Installment Agreements
  • Avoid levies, garnishments, and liens

Why You Need to File Your Back Taxes Now

Every year you miss can compound your balance with:

  • Failure-to-file penalties (up to 25% of your unpaid tax)
  • Failure-to-pay penalties and accruing interest
  • Tax liens that attach to your property
  • Wage garnishments or bank levies

By filing unfiled returns today, you stop new penalties, regain compliance, and become eligible for even more relief programs.

Common Reasons for Unfiled Returns

  • Lost track of W-2s, 1099s, or K-1s after moving or job changes
  • Avoiding filing because you couldn’t pay
  • Assuming the IRS would overlook small balances
  • Personal or business upheaval (illness, divorce, business closure)

No matter the cause, it’s never too late to file. The IRS generally has up to 10 years to assess and collect, so acting now prevents further penalties.

Our 5-Step Unfiled Returns Process

Complete Case Review

We gather all necessary documents and review your IRS/state notices—at no cost.

Penalty Abatement Request

If you qualify for first-time penalty abatement or reasonable-cause waiver, we prepare and submit your request.

Prepare & File Back Returns

Our tax professionals draft, review, and e-file each missing return—bringing you current in weeks, not months.

Negotiate Relief Programs

Once returns are filed, we help you secure an Offer in Compromise, Installment Agreement, or Currently Not Collectible status.

Ongoing IRS Protection

We monitor your account to ensure no new levies or garnishments occur and guide you on all future filings.

Penalty Abatement & Relief Options

Even after you file, you may owe late-filing or late-payment penalties. We specialize in:

  • First-Time Penalty Abatement for qualifying taxpayers
  • Reasonable-Cause Waivers when life events prevented timely filing
  • Offer in Compromise to settle for less than the full balance
  • Installment Agreements to spread your debt into affordable payments

For a deep dive into Offers in Compromise, see our IRS Offer in Compromise page.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far back can the IRS require me to file missing returns?
What penalties apply to unfiled returns?
What documents do I need to file years of unfiled returns?
Can filing unfiled returns qualify me for other relief programs?
Icon

Methods of Contact

Vital for collaboration, support, or information exchange.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.