Late Tax Filing Help

Late Tax Filing Help
Behind on Taxes? Start Here.

File the Last 3-6 Years. Without Fear.

CPA-prepared back returns, penalty abatement, and payment plans

It's never too late to come back into compliance. We handle the gnarly cases β€” multiple years, missing records, IRS already involved β€” without judgment.

βœ“ Licensed CPA #158599βœ“ $1M Audit Defenseβœ“ Free 30-Min Consultation
Tax deadline calendar with organized paperwork representing late filing resolution

What Late-Filing Actually Looks Like

If you\'re reading this and putting it off, here\'s the math that should change your mind.

Penalty Math

Failure-to-file is 5%/month, max 25%. On a $10K liability, the penalty hits $2,500 in 5 months. Plus interest (currently 7-8% APR). Filing β€” even very late β€” stops the bleeding.

First-Time Abatement

If your last 3 years had no penalty assessments, IRS will wipe the failure-to-file and failure-to-pay penalty for one year on request. We file Form 843 and almost always get FTA approval.

Refunds Are Disappearing

The 3-year refund statute means every year you delay, you lose another year of potential refunds permanently. Most late filers are surprised to learn IRS often owes them money.

The "Fresh Start" Program

IRS expanded penalty relief and streamlined installment agreements for filers under $50K and under $250K balance. We position your case to qualify.

Substitute for Return Risk

If you don\'t file, IRS files for you with the worst possible assumptions. We can replace the SFR with your actual return β€” usually slashing the liability by 60-90%.

Mortgages + Visas Require It

Buying a house in IE? Lender will want 2 years of returns. Renewing visa or applying for citizenship? USCIS wants returns. Late filing closes those doors. Filing reopens them.

Our Late-Filing Process

No judgment. No drama. Just compliance and forward motion.

Confidential Call

30-min discovery. We figure out years to file and what records exist.

Pull IRS Transcripts

Form 2848 POA. We see exactly what IRS has β€” every W-2, 1099, prior filings.

Reconstruct Records

For missing receipts/expenses, we use the Cohan rule + reasonable estimates with supporting docs.

File All Years

Returns prepared, reviewed, e-filed (or mailed where required). Federal + CA.

Negotiate Resolution

Installment agreement, OIC, Currently Not Collectible β€” whichever fits your situation.

Late Filing β€” Frequently Asked Questions

How many years of returns can I file at once?

Federal: up to 6 years generally satisfies IRS compliance requirements. California: usually 4 years. We typically file the most recent 3-6 years to get you compliant. Going further back depends on whether you owe or are owed a refund (3-year refund limit).

Will I get refunds for old years?

Refunds are limited to 3 years from the original filing deadline. So in May 2026, you can still claim refunds for 2022 (deadline April 2026 β€” passed) but only by amending if already filed, or for 2023+ via timely filing of original returns.

How much are the penalties?

Failure to file: 5% per month, max 25%. Failure to pay: 0.5% per month plus interest. Plus accuracy-related penalty (20%) and fraud penalty (75%) in some cases. We calculate exact exposure and pursue First-Time Abatement or Reasonable Cause to reduce penalties.

Can the IRS file for me?

Yes β€” it's called a Substitute for Return (SFR) and it's the worst-case scenario. IRS assumes single filing status, standard deduction, no dependents, no business deductions. Filing your own return (even late) almost always lowers the tax owed dramatically.

Do you offer payment plans for the fees?

Yes. Late-filing engagements often run $1,500-$5,000 across multiple years. We accept payment plans up to 6 months at no interest. The cost is almost always less than the penalty savings we negotiate.

Ready to Stop Avoiding This?

Free 30-min confidential consult. CPA representation. No judgment.

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