How can I file taxes from 3 years ago?

Question

I haven't filed taxes in the past 3 years, mostly because I was missing W2's. I don't generally make more than $30,000 a year. I need advise!

Answer 1

1. IRS form 4506-T to request income information (to get the missing w-2s). The IRS has had the info from about June of each year.

2. IRS website, enter year in search box. This will bring back a link to all the forms for that year (all forms since 1990 are available).

3. Print out the form, fill it in (or fill it in, then print) and mail it in.

4. Refund deadline for 2004 is 4/15/2008. Balance due, no deadline and you will be subject to penalties and interest.

Answer 2

Do you have all your W-2's now? If not, you need to get copies of them before you can do your returns.

If you do your own taxes, you can download forms for past years at irs.gov - be sure to use the form and instructions for the right year, because the rules change a little every year. You need to do a separate form for each year.

If you have someone else prepare your returns, they should be able to do the old years as long as you have all of your paperwork.

Get the forms filled out, and mail them in. If you have a refund, you will still get it from 2004, 2005 and 2006, and there won't be any penalty for filing late. If you owe, there will be penalties.

Answer 3

You need advice FAST----your employer should have copies of your old W-2's....... if not, call the IRS or your states Tax department because they BOTH also have those records and for a SMALL fee ($1.00) I believe, they will send you the copies of your W-2's--while you are asking for W-2's, you might as well as for BLANK TAX FORMS AND INSTRUCTIONS for the missing years... and then sity your butt down and FILE FILE FILE those taxes.... if you are due any REFUNDS, you will NOT be able to COLLECT on them (federal OR STATE) if you wait more then 3 years to file.. HOWEVER, if you OWE taxes, they will get you.. There IS a backlog in both the Federal and MOST State Tax departments but their systems WILL catch up to you and will eventually send you out what they call an ESTIMATED BILL based on prior earnings and you will be FORCED TO PAY that amount TIMES 3 --for all 3 years... So I suggest you call 1-800-829-1040 TOMORROW and call your STATES Tax department TOMORROW and arrange to get those copies of the back years W2's and the blank copies of the returns WITH instructions... good luck Oh and TAX EVASION (not filing) CAN constitute a FEDERAL FELONY with a 5-10 YEAR SENTENCE and BIG HUGE fine so really get on the ball with this one.... Oh you can also PRINT OUT forms on the IRS WEBSITE but they MAY not have all 3 of your lost years.... but you can check it out anyway.

Answer 4

First, try to get the W-2's. If you can get the W-2's, file each year's taxes normally, using that year's tax forms (not the current forms which are for 2006 or 2007).

If you cannot get the W-2's, you may use Form 4852, Substitute for Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f4852.pdf, instead. Complete this form yourself and use it instead of a W-2. Expect a long delay in receiving your refund, if any.

Answer 5

If you don't have all your w2 call IRS at 1-800-829-1040 and ask them to send them to you, they will give you a certain time to get your returns filed.
I am surprised you have received any letters from IRS, telling you if you don't file within 30 days they will file for you.

You still have time so get it done. If you file your 2007 return before filing any deliquent returns and you have a refund due to you, IRS will hold the refund until you file your returns, and they fully process them and see you don't owe them, if you don't owe them they will finally release your refund.
Visit the IRS website to download any forms you may need or call 1-800-829-3676 to have forms sent to you.

Answer 6

I tried Turbo tax, it does a good job if you want to do it on your own. I found the program for the year I needed on eBay. Or call a tax consultant, like H and R block.

One thing you should know...if you owe money to uncle Sam, they're going to charge you interest on that money you owe them, but if they owe you money, then you're OK. So probably your best bet would be to talk to a CPA (Certified Public Accountant).

Answer 7

If you are required to file, you must file your tax return. There is no time limit.
If you owe taxes you will pay interest and penalty.
If you have a refund, the IRS will not pay you if it is more than 3 years late.

Answer 8

Go to www.irs.gov and download the forms and fill them out and send them in. Do this quickly, a person can only go back 3 years to file or fix a return! If you go to HR Block or a CPA it will just cost you even more money. You can do this yourself!

Answer 9

Go to a CPA. They can help you file all the paper work and make sure that it is correct. Do it as soon as possible because whatever u owe if anything is gathering interest.

Answer 10

call the IRS to get a copy of w2's and the number is 800-829-1040