How to File Late Tax Returns

Essential Information to Help You File

Back Tax Returns

Step 1: Collect All Your Tax Documents

Gather together all documents like W-2s, 1099s, and other tax

documents for all the years you need to file. If you are missing any

crucial tax documents, you can request copies from the IRS for free.

Step Two: Prepare the Tax Returns or Hire a Tax Professional

Next, you need to decide if you are going to prepare the returns yourself or hire

a tax professional to prepare them for you. If you plan on preparing them

yourself, it should take you about 2 to 3 hours per tax return. A tax professional

will have experience in filing back tax returns, and will be able to assist you in

getting back into compliance and in minimizing any potential tax liability.

Step Three: Prepare Your Tax Returns

By preparing your tax returns, you will clear up any uncertainty you

have about your taxes. You’ll know whether you are due a refund or

if you owe the IRS.

Step Four: Protect Your Tax Refunds

You only have three years after the initial tax filing deadline to claim

a refund. There are also strict time limits for audits and debt

collection. If you have tax debt for other years, any tax refunds you

are due will be offset and put towards the tax debt.

Step Five: Pay off Your Tax Debts

If you find that you have a tax liability, you should immediately make a

plan to pay the debt. By making arrangements to pay the debt, either in

a lump sum or through one of the IRS’ payment agreements, you will

avoid IRS collection actions like levy or garnishment. If you owe the IRS

more than $10,000, it is good idea to consult with a tax professional

before contacting the IRS.

Step Six: Plan Ahead

Plan ahead to prevent another tax debt or to boost next year’s

tax refund. Take the opportunity to make some strategies for

reducing your taxes and achieving your financial goals.

To Learn More

Visit

www.reliancetaxgroup.com

or call

(877) 597-0153

Works Cited: Perez, William. "Essential Information to Help You File Back Taxes." About Money. About.com, 2015. Web. 10 June 2015. <http://taxes.about.com/od/taxtrouble/a/back_taxes.htm>.