what happens if you dont lodge a tax return?

Question

My friend hasn't lodged a tax return since 2001. she has been overseas during that time for 18 months.
If there is any penalties how much would the penalty be?
we come from Australia.

Answer 1

If you earned income and your employer reported it, you should file a return, even if you don't owe anything. If you overpaid, you can get a refund; if you underpaid, Uncle Sam will want their money. It may take the IRS a few years to figure out that you owe them. During that time, interest and penalties are adding up. (Don't ask me how I know :)

You can even file now for the years you missed and maybe avoid some penalties and interest. You can definitely avoid having the IRS seize your assets or bank accounts and avoid the embarrassment of having your employer deduct additional tax payment from your paycheck.

Answer 2

No... Even tho you live in USA, u get no penalty even tho you dont file tax return. The only trouble you going to run into is that when you apply for anything that requires the prove of income, or income related stuff, such as an AutoLoan, financial Aid, u'll run into trouble, they'll put you as you don't have a job. thats all... that are many ppl who doesn't file tax return in the US... Most of them are immigrant who doesn't know anything but Work and spend the money they earned.