Never done my taxes, now what?

Question

I thought it was not important, nobody really explained to me. Apparently it is a big deal and I should have done it before. My father claimed me as a dependent till I was 19, after that I think I was supposed to do it on my own. I'm 22 now. Please give me some advice on this. I live in the bronx, ny.

Answer 1

If you're still in college and have only made a few thousand dollars a year if that, then you might not have been required to file.

There is an amount each year where if you make more that that, you are required to file. For $2006 the amount was $8450 income for the year if you were not claimed as a dependent and you are single. If you made more that that, gather up your W-2's and fill out a tax return - come back to this forum for help if you need it - and send it in. That doesn't mean that you'll owe taxes - if more was withheld than your total tax liability, you might have some money coming back if you file.

You don't really give enough info to give a more detailed answer. Post again with how much money you've made each year and where you've made it (a job, your own company, ...) and whether you are single or married and you'll get more info.

Even while your dad was still claiming you as a dependent, if you made enough money you would have been required to file.

If you were making money from a job where they withheld taxes, and you haven't heard from the IRS telling you that you need to file, chances are that you have money coming back rather than owing anything.

Answer 2

Even though your dad claimed you as a dependent, you needed to file a tax return if you worked a job. The first thing you need to do is to find your W-2's from all of the jobs you had for each year. Then I would call the IRS and explain your situation. They have advisers that will be glad to help you get everything straightened out, and let you know what forms you need. If you have state income tax in NY, then you'll need to contact the state treasurer or department of revenue.

The other route is to go to a tax preparer (accountant, HR Block, etc.) and get them to help you, but they don't work cheap as a general rule. I would suggest getting some guidance on this for certain. You need to understand what you need to do each year.

You may be hit with failure to file penalties, and if you owe tax, failure to pay penalties as well. If you do, the IRS can set you up on a payment plan. Whatever you do, don't avoid taking care of this. If they catch it themselves it's much worse than you bringing it to them.

The bright side is that you probably didn't make a whole lot and you'll probably be getting something back.

Answer 3

I'm willing to bet that you are due a refund. If I am correct, then there isn't much to worry about.

Get your W-2's together for all of the years that you didn't file tax returns. Call your old employers and get copies if you don't have them available. If you can't get hold of your employers, then call the IRS and they will have copies for you.

Go to the IRS website and look up tax forms. Go to Prior Years for all tax years except for 2006. 2006 forms should be the current forms. Print out the forms and then do your taxes. If you don't know how to do your taxes, then get someone to do them for you. You should try to do them on your own first to save some money. For your state forms, go to www.tax.state.ny.us.

If you owe any money, be sure to include a payment of your tax due plus 50% to be safe and mail that tax return using registered mail, not certified. It may cost you a few dollars to mail the return, but it will be worth it. If you are due a refund from your overpayment, the excess money will be returned to you.

Relax, I bet it isn't as bad as you think it is.

Forgot to add, you will only get a refund for years 2004, 2005, and 2006 if you are due a refund. If you owe, then you still have to pay for any years before 2004.

Answer 4

If you had little (or no) income it probably won't amtter much. Also if you had income but the withheld taxes (from your job) were more than what you would've paid it won't hurt that much(though you will still have to pay a penalty). I'd suggest going online (or 2 a library) and getting an old 1040-ez form for 1999-2007 and filling them out as best you can. See how much you owe - if anything - and take it from there.

If your returns are complicated use a tax preparer.

Answer 5

If you are single and have only W-2 income go to IRS.GOV and FORMS. You can download current 2006 form 1040EZ and tax tables. Do the same for 2005, 2004; however many years you haven't filed. Fill them out and send in your return so you can get your refund.

Answer 6

It's probably too late to even go to an H&R Block -closed for the season - you better get to a certified public accountant-it's going to cost a lot more than Block would have. It you're getting a refund, it's no big deal, but if you owe taxes beyond what was withheld, you will have penalties and interest. Don't wait. Your father should have mentioned something to you after he no longer claimed you.

Answer 7

Have you been working for the last few years, and did you just have standard withholding?

If so, you are probably entitled to a refund. You can get the old tax booklets from the IRS' website and see (if you have your W-2 forms).

Answer 8

If you're been required to file (likely), then you need to do so and do so for all the years you didn't file. If you were required to pay, even more so.

Contact the IRS and ask for someone to help you ensure that you are in compliance. Believe me, they want you to get compliant.

If you're scared, you may need to get a lawyer to help you. That'll cost money, but it'll keep from you from saying/doing something stupid that could wind up costing you more in fines or even jail time.

If you can't afford one, you might be able to get a referral by calling your local bar association. Indicate your situation and say that you really can't afford a lawyer and ask if they have any suggestions. They might know a low-cost or free alternative in your area.

Answer 9

if you are working- and have been doing this for last three years---------find your w-2 forms-----------if you don't remember when they are----------state and federal have it on file anyway.

the federal and state if will do it for free for you---------unless you made over 38,000 each year.

I go to the two in Newark---------Fed and state. Go talk to the nearest ones in your town. They will strengthen it out for you. make sure you bing ss card and proof of ID.
--------im 30 min from you! ---near staten!!

Answer 10

get all your W-2's and 1099's together, all your living expense receipts together, and see a tax consultant