Could I get arrested for this?

Question

My husband and I have been living overseas for 2 years & we haven't filed taxes for either of those years. I want to visit the USA, but I'm worried that they might arrest me when I try to enter the country. Some advice would be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

Yes, you can certainly get arrested for tax evasion.  Wesley Snipes just got 3 years for that.

Answer 2

Although it could be looked at as tax evasion, I seriously doubt you would be arrested upon arrival into the country. Your best bet is to contact the IRS and explain to the representative your situation of being out of the country. You will have to show proof to that effect and they will probably set up a payment schedule for you to pay off any taxes you owe.

Answer 3

They could arrest you.  My uncle didnt pay his taxes for 4 years when he lived in Germany.  When he got back to the US he got a nice letter from the IRS telling him to pay up

Answer 4

by law you have 3 years to file taxes. Besides, you are a nobody. They would not be waiting at the airport for you. They would issue you a summons IF you owed a substantial amount. What do you do? Why do you think you owe money?

Answer 5

The IRS maybe after you, but I doubt they are waiting for you at the airport.  Unless your on the 10 most Wanted List.  Did you make money in another country, or the U.S.?

Answer 6

Depends on a few factors. Do you own property, work for a company based out of the US, or have any assets that can be taxed while you have been gone? If so, you will have to pay back taxes on them. When you do enter the county, make sure you have documentation (including bills, rental agreements, etc) that would prove to the IRS that you were out of the country for an extended period of time. I don't think they are going to arrest you as soon as you get here (unless you owe millions of dollars), but call the IRS before you arrive and ask them, because, like I said, it depends on what your individual situation is.