Failing to file a tax return isn’t just a paperwork issue — it’s a legal one. And if you’ve missed more than one year, the consequences can build quickly. At McCauley Law Offices, we regularly help clients who haven’t filed in years get back on track before the IRS takes aggressive action.
Many people fall behind on their taxes because they’re missing documents, overwhelmed by what they owe, or simply afraid of what will happen if they file late. But the truth is, not filing often creates more problems than filing with a balance due.
The IRS can respond to unfiled returns in several ways, and none of them are passive. If you wait long enough, they may file a return on your behalf — called a Substitute for Return (SFR) — using information from third parties. These returns don’t include any deductions or credits, so they often show inflated balances. Based on those numbers, the IRS may issue notices, place liens on your property, garnish your wages, or even seize assets if the situation escalates.
There’s also the statute of limitations to consider. If you don’t file, the clock never starts — meaning the IRS can pursue you indefinitely. And if you were due a refund? You typically lose it after three years.
So how do you fix it?
The first step is identifying what the IRS believes is missing. At McCauley Law Offices, we retrieve your IRS transcripts to confirm which years are unfiled, then help you gather or reconstruct the records needed to prepare accurate returns. We work to protect your rights and reduce your exposure — not just plug in numbers.
Once your returns are filed, we can explore your options for resolving any balance due. That might mean negotiating an installment agreement, submitting an Offer in Compromise, or pursuing penalty relief, depending on your circumstances.
Even if you haven’t filed in five, ten, or more years, it’s not too late — but the longer you wait, the harder the IRS pushes.
If you’ve fallen behind, McCauley Law Offices can help you move forward. Contact us today for a confidential review and a clear path toward resolution.
