If someone was unaware in the past that they could file taxes to receive a return, can they still file or not?

Question

If they didn't make enough that they were required to file, therefore they didn't, and then found out later down the road that they could have to receive a refund, is it possible to file for those past years and receive the money that was withheld? Or should they just accept the loss and let it go?

Answer 1

You can file for a refund for up to three years after the due date of the return. Therefore you can now file for 2003 (due in 2004), 2004, and 2005 and get any refund for those years.

Answer 2

You can file as far back as tax year 2003 (the one that was due in 2004) and still get your refund if you file by 4/15/07. Anything further back than that is lost. For 2004 and 2005, you have plenty of time yet - the last date to file and get your refund is 3 years after the original due date.

Answer 3

Well, I think it would depend on the amount of the refund as opposed to the cost of filing. These kinds of returns have to be mailed in, by the way.

I say, take the information to your local professional tax office and have them look at it. You don't have to pay if you don't file the things. It would be a good idea to do it before the middle of March, because right now is a slow time but as it gets closer to the deadline to file, the folks in those offices will get pretty busy and will want you to wait until after tax season to file back tax returns.

Answer 4

they can file 3 years after the original due date, so they can file for 2003 still, but only for another month

Answer 5

yes,you will need to get the forms for the year you need to file for.fill out,file and wait for your return.If you owe money,they will incur interest on your part and will be attached to your statement they send to you.Doing this right now might cause a delay in your refund because of it being another tax season.
GOOD LUCK