Back Taxes
Behind on filing? We help you catch up on unfiled and multiple-year returns and get back in good standing with the IRS.
- Free, no-obligation consultation
- Confidential & secure
- Experienced tax professionals
What's included & how it works
Falling behind on tax returns is more common than people think, and the situation rarely gets better on its own. The IRS can file a Substitute for Return on your behalf — but it uses the income data it has and gives you none of the deductions, credits, or dependents you're entitled to, which usually inflates the balance. Filing your own accurate returns almost always produces a lower, correct number.
Getting current matters for more than peace of mind. The IRS generally requires the last six years of returns to be filed to be considered in good standing, and you must be current on filings before you can qualify for relief options like an installment agreement or Offer in Compromise. Filing also starts the clock on refunds — but note that a refund is generally forfeited if a return is filed more than three years late.
We help you figure out which years are missing, request your wage and income transcripts from the IRS to reconstruct what was reported, and prepare each year's return correctly. Then we help you address any balance owed so you can move forward without the cloud of unfiled taxes hanging over you.
- 1
Find the gaps
We pull your IRS account and wage-and-income transcripts to identify exactly which years are unfiled and what was reported to the IRS.
- 2
Reconstruct records
Missing W-2s or 1099s? We use IRS transcripts and your own records to rebuild each year's income and deductions.
- 3
Prepare past-due returns
Each delinquent return is prepared accurately so you claim the deductions and credits a Substitute for Return would leave out.
- 4
Resolve the balance
If you owe, we help you set up a payment plan or explore relief so getting current doesn't create a new problem.
Who this is for
- People who missed one or more years of filing
- Anyone who received an IRS Substitute for Return
- Self-employed filers behind on returns
- Those who lost W-2s or 1099s for past years
- People who need to be current to qualify for relief
- Anyone worried about IRS collection or wage levies
Frequently asked questions
How many years of back taxes do I need to file?+
The IRS generally considers you in good standing once the last six years of required returns are filed. Depending on your circumstances they may ask for fewer or more. We review your IRS account to confirm exactly which years are outstanding so you don't file more than you need to.
What if I don't have my old W-2s or 1099s?+
That's very common and not a roadblock. We can request your wage and income transcripts from the IRS, which show what employers and payers reported each year. Combined with any records you have, that's usually enough to prepare accurate returns.
Will I lose my refund if I file late?+
Possibly. The IRS generally allows you to claim a refund only within three years of the original due date. After that the refund is forfeited even though the return can still be filed. If you're owed money, filing sooner protects refunds that are still within that window.
What happens if I keep ignoring unfiled returns?+
The IRS may file a Substitute for Return that overstates what you owe, and it can pursue collection through liens, levies, or wage garnishment. There's no statute of limitations on assessment for a year that was never filed. Filing your own returns stops that process and is almost always the better outcome.
Get tax help today — free, no obligation
Talk to a tax specialist about your situation. No pressure, no judgment.