How to File Past Taxes for 2005

Every day that your income tax return is past due, you face additional penalities and interest.

Your 2005 federal income tax return became past due on April 16, 2006, unless you filed for an automatic extension, in which case your return wasn't past due until Oct. 16, 2006. If your past-due return shows a refund due or no tax due, you will not face penalties for filing late. However, you will not receive any refund shown, because you are filing more than three years late. If your 2005 return shows tax due, you will face extensive penalties from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

Instructions

1. Print a copy of the 2005 Individual Income Tax Return from the IRS website (see Resources).

2. Gather your W-2 and 1099 forms and all other tax information you received in 2005 and begin filling out your income tax return. Instructions for the 2005 income tax return are available on the IRS' site when you print your forms. Do not use an instruction manual from any other year because tax rates change periodically, which will cause mistakes on your 2005 income tax return.

3. Attach to your tax return copies of your W-2s and other tax forms that show federal income tax withheld, and sign the bottom of Page 2. Mail your return to the address listed for residents of your state in the instruction manual for the form. If you owe taxes, include a check payable to the U.S. Treasury in the amount you owe.

Tips & Warnings

• Even if you pay the full amount due when you file your return late, you can expect to receive notification from the IRS detailing the late fees and penalties that have accrued on your past-due income tax return. The IRS is willing to work out a payment plan if you contact it.

References

• Internal Revenue Service: Frequently Asked Questions for Past Due Return Filers

Resources

• Internal Revenue Service: Prior Year Products