BackYears is an independent referral service. We are not a CPA firm, tax preparer, or law firm, and we are not affiliated with the IRS or any government agency. Tax services are provided by independent licensed professionals.
I haven't filed taxes in 3 years: what now?
Short answer: File the missing years, starting with finding out which ones are missing. The IRS says to file every past due return even if you can't pay in full, and that filing sooner limits interest and late payment penalties. If you're owed a refund, you generally have 3 years from the due date to claim it. Most people gather what records they have, request IRS transcripts for the rest, then work with a licensed tax pro.
Written by the BackYears editorial team. Published . Last reviewed .
Not yet reviewed by a tax professional.
If you haven't filed for three years, you are not the only one, and you are not out of options. People fall behind for all kinds of reasons: a move, a new freelance business, a hard year, or a 1099 that arrived after you'd already given up on that year. The good news is that catching up is a well-trodden path, and tax pros do it every week.
This guide is general information, not tax advice. It explains the usual first steps so the process feels less scary.
Step 1: Breathe, then find out what's missing
Start by writing down which years you think you didn't file. Your best guess is fine. Then gather whatever you can find for those years: 1099s, W-2s, bank statements and any letters.
If records are missing, the IRS lets you request transcripts that show income reported to it, such as W-2s and 1099s. See Get transcript(IRS.gov), opens in a new tab.
Step 2: Understand why filing now helps
The IRS's page on filing past due tax returns(IRS.gov), opens in a new tab explains that filing and paying sooner limits interest and late payment penalties. Our guide to late filing penalties explains how those penalties are worked out. It also says that if you are owed a refund, you generally must file within 3 years of the return due date to claim it.
The same page says that if you are self-employed and don't file, your self-employment income isn't reported to the Social Security Administration, so you don't get credit toward Social Security benefits for it.
Step 3: Use the right year's forms
Each past year is filed on that year's forms, not this year's. The IRS keeps them on prior year forms and instructions(IRS.gov), opens in a new tab.
Step 4: Decide whether to get help
You can file on your own, use a free IRS program if you qualify, or work with a licensed pro. If you want help, the IRS has tips on choosing a tax professional(IRS.gov), opens in a new tab. BackYears can introduce you to a vetted CPA, Enrolled Agent or tax attorney who offers a flat price for every missing year. We are a referral service, not a tax preparer, and nothing is shared unless you say yes.
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Questions people ask
Do I need my SSN to get started with BackYears?
No. Our questions never ask for your SSN, and the form blocks anything that looks like one. A tax pro will ask for what they need directly, once you choose to work with them.
Should I file the oldest year or the newest year first?
That depends on your situation, so it's a question for a licensed tax pro. Many start by confirming which years are missing and what income the IRS already has on record.
Is it too late to file?
The IRS says to file all tax returns that are due, and explains how on its page about past due returns. A tax pro can tell you what that means for you.
Want help catching up?
Answer a few questions (no SSN). If you say yes, we'll introduce you to a vetted tax pro who offers a flat price. Free, no obligation.
Start the questionsRelated
- What's the penalty for filing taxes late?
The IRS charges 5% a month for filing late and 0.5% a month for paying late, each capped at 25%. How they add up, with links to IRS.gov.
- What's a substitute for return?
If you don't file, the IRS may file a return for you. Here's what the IRS says a substitute return is and why it can cost you more.
- Records you'll need as a freelancer
A plain checklist of the records a tax pro usually asks for when you're catching up on unfiled years, and what to do if some are missing.
- Unfiled 1099 income
Freelance or contract work with no taxes taken out, and a few years unfiled? Here's how people usually get caught up, in plain English.
Everything on this site is general information, not tax, legal or financial advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a licensed tax professional.