Back Taxes – Tax Compliance
Feeling overwhelmed by unfiled tax returns? You’re not alone. Back taxes can quickly pile up, leading to penalties, interest, and the constant worry of IRS action.
To be tax compliant with the IRS, you must file all back tax returns for at least the past six years—and possibly more!
Do you have back tax returns that need to be filed?
We can help! Back taxes refer to old, unfiled tax returns you legally must file. These old tax returns can lead to mounting penalties and interest from the IRS—not to mention the stress of potential aggressive IRS action that it puts on you.
At Pink Harbor CPA, we help individuals and businesses just like you get into tax compliance by helping you file all of your overdue returns. If there’s any resulting tax liability associated with filing the back tax returns, we can help you apply for many tax resolution options.
Who Can File Back Taxes for Me?
The better question to be asking is, Who should file back tax returns for me? Three important questions to ask any tax practitioner would be:
- How can you make certain that all of the old tax documents you found is everything that was reported to the IRS?
- Do you have the proper professional software for all of the back tax years I must file?
- Do you have the proper research materials to familiarize yourself with the tax laws that apply to the back tax years I must file?
Pink Harbor CPA can obtain your transcripts from the IRS, ensuring that you have everything you need to file a complete tax return. Our professional tax software is maintained for the past 15 years, and our extensive publication library of tax laws goes back to 1980.
How to File Back Taxes Without Records?
Life happens. Time passes.
Things get lost or forgotten. We get it.
Don’t let not being able to locate all of your old tax documents increase your stress or deter you from filing all of your back tax returns. In a very short time (usually less than a week), Pink Harbor CPA can easily obtain all of the tax documents that were reported to the IRS by entities like old employers, mortgage companies, banks, and investment advisors.
When Can I File Back Taxes?
Can you file back taxes any time of the year?
Even if you have to mail them in by paper. The IRS typically shuts down the ability to electronically file tax returns from the end of November to mid-January. During that period, we encourage clients to file their tax returns by paper using Certified Mail. Certified Mail serves as proof of the day you filed the tax return.
How Far Back Should I File Back Taxes?
How long can you file back taxes?
Those are two very different questions, each with a different answer. Let’s break this down together. Technically, you can file back tax returns for as many years back as you like. That being said, the better question is, “How far back should I file back tax returns?” The IRS typically follows the “ six-year rule” for tax compliance, meaning that all tax returns for the past six years are required in order to be considered “tax compliant.”
However, the IRS will only issue refunds for tax returns that were due within the past three years, or where money to be refunded was paid in within the prior three years. When the older returns would result in a refund that you can no longer get, a careful evaluation should be done to determine if you should go through the time and expense to file those returns.
How Many Years Can You File Back Taxes Electronically?
You can file the most recent tax year, plus the two most preceding years. For example, if today’s date were June 25, 2025, you can file 2024, 2023, and 2022 electronically. All older years must be filed by paper.
Does Filing Taxes Late Increase the Chances of an Audit?
There is no verifiable data that indicates that voluntarily filing late tax returns would increase the chances of an audit. However, suppose you are currently under audit for a particular tax year, and the IRS demands that you file a back tax return for another year. In that case, there is a significant likelihood of the IRS expanding the period under audit to include the back tax year, which is being requested. That is why it is vital to voluntarily file all back tax returns as soon as possible.
How Can I File Back Taxes for Free Online?
Pink Harbor CPA is a professional Certified Public Accounting firm. We, ourselves, have the capability to file your back taxes for as far back as you need to. Unfortunately, we are not able to assist you with locating any free platforms. The free platforms typically only support the most recent tax year.
Is Filing Taxes Late a Crime?
Not being tax compliant is often something the IRS does not pursue criminally. Owing individual tax also isn’t criminal. Our founding fathers did not want America to have “debtor’s prisons,” so the act of simply owing personal taxes that you cannot afford to pay isn’t criminal. Criminal matters typically involve “willful evasion” or “fraudulent behavior.” However, if you fail to file a tax return in order to deliberately evade paying taxes, that is a crime. That is why it is critically important to file all old, back tax returns where there is a liability—even if you can’t afford to pay the taxes owed.
Should I File Back Taxes Before the Current Year?
Whether you should file back taxes before the current year’s tax returns are filed depends on whether information needed from the older, outstanding tax returns will make it impossible to file an accurate tax return for the current year. In situations where old tax returns reflect things like depreciation, passive activity income, and losses, or Net Operating Loss carryforwards from a business, it is often prudent to file the older years first. Our competent tax practitioners at Pink Harbor CPA will carefully evaluate your unique tax situation and make an appropriate recommendation.
When Filing Back Taxes, What Address Should I Use?
You should list your current legal address. The IRS will send you letters, documentation, and refund checks to the address you display on the tax return. You should never file a tax return using an address that you do not live at or cannot receive mail at.
Take the First Step Toward Tax Compliance
Filing back taxes can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to tackle it alone. Whether you’re an individual or a business, Pink Harbor CPA is here to help you get on the right track with your taxes. From filing overdue returns to exploring the best resolution options for any resulting tax liability, we’ve got your back. Reach out to us today to start your journey to tax compliance and peace of mind!
Can You File Back Taxes for a Deceased Person?
Should I file back taxes for a deceased person?
An executor, executrix, or other person adequately appointed by a court can file a tax return for a deceased person. Those mentioned can also obtain IRS transcripts, making it easier to ascertain that the tax returns being filed are complete and accurate. If you have been appointed by a court to handle the final affairs of a deceased taxpayer, or if you are responsible for dispersing a deceased person’s final estate, you may also have a legal obligation to make sure that the decedent is in tax compliance. If you are one of the people formerly mentioned, you should seek the advice of legal counsel to ensure proper adherence to all applicable laws.
I Filed All of My Back Tax Returns, and Now I Owe Money. What Can I Do?
There are many alternatives other than paying the IRS all at once, or ever. They include an
Offer-in-Compromise, Full Pay Installment Plan, Partial Pay Installment Plan, Innocent Spouse Relief, Injured Spouse Relief, Penalty and Interest Abatement, and Currently Not Collectible Status (CNC). Pink Harbor CPA is poised to properly assist you with evaluating which option is best for you.
