How to File Taxes for Years Missed
If you have neglected to file your taxes for a few years, you should do it as soon as possible. Learn how to file taxes for years missed and receive a refund or pay any taxes owed. This is the same as filing for the current year, except you may need help getting all your tax documents together so you can file your back year's taxes. Generally speaking, you can file back taxes for three years prior to the current filing year (see Tips for an explanation). Follow these steps to obtain the documents you need and file your returns.
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Instructions
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Contact the IRS if you have misplaced your tax documents. This includes 1099 forms, W-2 forms and any other tax documents. When you contact the IRS, ask for your transcripts for the years for which you need the tax document to file. If you need your state tax information, you must call your state agency to obtain any state withholdings.
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Start with the oldest tax year first. Print out a federal and state tax form for the year you are filing. The federal forms can be found at the IRS website and the state tax forms can be found at your state government's website. Make sure you print the correct year for which you are filing.
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Use the correct tax tables for the year for which you are filing the tax return, and do not forget about the standard deduction. On the federal tax form, the standard deduction is usually found in the left margin. Use the instructions for the proper year. This is vital to doing your taxes correctly.
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Calculate your tax return to see if you owe money or have a refund coming. If you have a refund coming, you will not owe any penalties. If you owe money, you will have penalties and interest due on the money you owe. If you owe money, send in the amount owed with your tax return. The government will calculate penalties and interest and send you a tax bill for the balance due.
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Tips & Warnings
If you have to file more tax returns for longer than three years past, you will not get a refund if you are owed one. However, if you owe taxes, you will have to pay the interest and penalties as well as the amount owed. The three-year rule only applies to getting a refund.
Always try to find all the deductions you can so you do not owe money. However, be honest and have receipts and other documents to support your deductions.
