Should I still file my taxes even if I am past the deadline and did not file for an extention?

Question

I am late to file my taxes because I fogot about it and did not file for an extention. Should I still file my taxes? Incidently, I don't owe anything and live overseas. But I think the question should be answered to the generic point that if one forgot to file when and if should then do so?

Answer 1

Yes, you must file. If you file after the deadline you may be subject to penalties and interest for late filing and late payment but you still must file. If you are due a refund there is no penalty for late filing.

Since you are overseas it's entirely possible that the IRS does not have all of the information necessary to calculate your true tax liability. If you don't file they'll estimate your tax liability from the limited information that they do have available and assess your taxes based upon those numbers. This will often result in a tax debt where you are actually entitled to a refund.

You should file your return ASAP to prevent any misunderstandings with the IRS.

Answer 2

did you get a w2? did your employeer send you a 1099, (self employeed)? the point is unless you earned your income on a cash basis and irs has no idea you exist, yes you should file.. if you would have had a refund coming and just dont care about it, file anyway.

it's just a really good habit to get into, doing taxes your that is. AND you should always file because of the way the IRS compouds interest; and once they have you, man, they have you!

with all that being said, don't make a mountain out of a mole hill. if you arent a dependent on someone elses taxes, and don't care about any refund you may have had, blow it off. but you need to get in the habit of doing your taxes; and don't be suprised if you don't get bit next year for not filing this year! hope this helps GL with it!

Answer 3

You may not owe anything but might have something coming back. Do you have a copy of your tax return? Do you have W-2s and other tax documents for the years you need to file? If you are missing any crucial tax documents, you can request copies of your tax documents from the Internal Revenue Service for free.
An experienced tax professional, on the other hand, can help you deal with the IRS. The best way to find a tax pro is to ask your friends, and find a professional with significant experience in preparing back taxes. Good reasons to hire a tax pro: if you need advice on how to handle incomplete tax documentation, or an advocate who will negotiate with the IRS on your behalf.

Either way, you'll be doing plenty of work yourself, such as tracking down missing information

Answer 4

Yes, you can and should file as soon as possible. The IRS will NOT penalize you for a late file, even without filing an extension request, as long as you owe nothing or have a refund due to you.

Answer 5

Go ahead and file. If you don't owe anything, there won't be a penalty for filing late.

If someone forgets to file, they should do so as soon as they can when they remember.

Answer 6

Yes, you need to file. If you owe nothing or have a refund coming, there will be no penalty.

Answer 7

legally you can file your personal income taxes with in three years only if you are claiming for a refund (money back), however if you owe the government money a balance due to IRS you will have to pay the late fee for filing late and for paying late, unless you can prove otherwise in written agreement. and by the way if you income for the entire year is under $8,000 you do not have to report it unless you want money back (refund) from IRS.

Answer 8

yes send it anyway or they will make sure you owe something