Owe Back Tax Returns?
Quickly resolve back tax issues to avoid IRS nightmares
Whether it was a hurricane, COVID-19, a business problem, life issues, or just letting your compliance focus slip, there is always a story behind why you need to complete back tax returns. We promise you that we won’t judge you, and we’ve probably heard worse reasons than yours, so let’s start the process of getting your tax return situation caught up. The faster your resolve the back tax issue, the sooner the IRS or state agency stops sniffing around for more problems.
Need Back Tax Returns?
How do we handle your back tax returns?
If you are ahead of the IRS, fantastic, but usually the IRS triggers the process. So if the IRS has already started breathing down your neck, the back tax returns are normally handled as part of your IRS Representation engagement. If we are not representing you for the IRS, the first challenge is to gather whatever records you have, which might be bank statements, and start to assemble the records necessary for completing what accounts call a “write-up,” essentially a quick and dirty set of business books to complete a tax return. After assembling your tax returns, we will review them with you before submission to the IRS, and then develop a “go-forward” plan to prevent this from every happening again.
You’re not a bad Person
This is a common problem
Many people have fallen behind with the IRS, even accountants. You’re not a bad person, you just didn’t submit your paperwork. Running a business is hard, and when things get tough, business owners heroically try to “do it all.” Unfortunately, in keeping the business running, keeping sales and revenue flowing, and keeping your employees and contractors paid, sometimes filling out your paperwork slips. Sometimes you’re worried that you’ll owe a lot in taxes, and just can’t get yourself to file. Whatever the reason, you’re not alone, this happens to many many people. We’ll get you up to speed as fast as possible and help minimize the taxes, fines, and interest as we get you back on track.
And Staying Current?
What about my current returns?
Generally, tax returns have to be done in order, because information on one flows into the next year. However, each situation is different, and we may need to file current returns to avoid penalties and interest, knowing that we’ll have to amend the return after you catch up. Each situation is different, so let’s talk about your situation and help you resolve it, and avoid these problems in the future?
Penalties and Interest?
Forgiveness? Settlements? Avoiding penalties and interest?
We can often get the IRS to remove or reduce penalties as you move into compliance, but interest is a much harder sell. Fortunately, in this zero interest rate environment, the IRS Interest rates aren’t as high as they’ve been in the past. However, each situation is different, and the IRS has flexibility to work with IRS Resolution specialists like us to help your resolve your issues. By having a full IRS Compliance plan, showing the IRS that you are not going to repeat the problem, you are much more likely to get these matters resolved to your liking.
If I Do Nothing?
What happens next?
More importantly, if you don’t resolve the matter, the IRS will make it extremely costly. The IRS Page on filing past due tax returns covers the details, but they can create a substitute return which will be far worse than reality, and then start assessing penalties and interests against this fake return. But once we start the IRS Resolution and Back Tax Return process, we can stop the situation from getting worse.
We Can Help
This Nightmare Does End!
We’ve helped clients like you before. Even if it turns into a full blown IRS Audit, we can help resolve this quicker than you think. Schedule that Zoom Meeting today, and let’s start ending your IRS nightmare so you can turn the corner and focus on growing your business.
Back Tax Returns FAQs
What are back tax returns and who needs them?
Back tax returns are past-due federal or state filings. Individuals, S-corps, C-corps, partnerships, and trusts must file if a return was required but missed. Filing gets you back into compliance and limits penalties and interest.
How many years of back tax returns should I file?
Most taxpayers file the last six years to satisfy IRS policy, but the exact number depends on your facts and notices. We review transcripts and advise the minimum needed to become compliant.
What happens if I do nothing about unfiled returns?
The IRS can file a Substitute for Return, assess a high balance without your deductions, add penalties and interest, and begin collections with liens or levies. Filing accurate returns usually lowers the assessed amount.
Can you help if I have no records or missing 1099s and W-2s?
Yes. We pull IRS wage and income transcripts, gather bank statements, and rebuild books. For businesses we perform a write up to reconstruct revenue and expenses.
What penalties and interest apply to back taxes?
Common penalties include failure to file and failure to pay. Interest accrues until paid. We pursue first time abatement or reasonable cause to reduce penalties. Interest reduction is rare, so faster filing saves money.
Will filing back returns trigger an audit?
Filing does not automatically trigger an audit. Accurate returns with documentation reduce risk. If you are selected, we provide full IRS representation.
Can you stop or remove an IRS levy or lien?
We act quickly to request releases or holds, submit compliance steps, and propose payment plans or hardship status. Early action protects wages and bank accounts.
Can I set up a payment plan or settle for less?
Yes. We evaluate installment agreements, partial pay plans, and Offers in Compromise. We calculate eligibility and submit complete packages that the IRS will consider.
Do state back tax returns matter as much as federal?
Yes. States can assess penalties, suspend licenses, or file liens. We prepare state returns, address nexus for businesses, and coordinate both state and federal timelines.
Should I file the current year first or older years first?
Usually oldest to newest, because each year can affect the next. If a deadline is close, we may file the current year to avoid new penalties and amend later after prior years are complete.
Can I still get refunds from older years?
Refunds generally expire after three years from the original due date. We prioritize years where a refund is still available.
How long will it take to catch up?
Simple cases take weeks once documents arrive. Multi year business cases take longer. We give you a checklist, a timeline, and weekly updates.
What if I already received CP59, CP516, CP2000, or a collections notice?
Send the notice and your last filed return. We pull transcripts, map deadlines, respond on time, and protect your rights while we prepare missing returns.
How much will this cost and how do you bill?
We quote a fixed fee after a short intake. Pricing depends on years, entities, and cleanup required. Payment plans are available for larger projects.
How do you keep me from falling behind again?
We set quarterly estimates, create a compliance calendar, and offer bookkeeping and payroll support. You get reminders, organized files, and year-round check ins.
Do you work with clients outside Florida?
Yes. We serve clients nationwide using a secure portal and handle multi state filings as needed.
How do we get started with back tax returns?
Schedule a brief consult, upload notices and any records, and authorize transcript access. We confirm scope and fee, prepare the oldest year first, file securely, and establish a plan to stay current.
