How does the return work if i file my taxes late?

Question

ok here's the thing ...

i did not file taxes for 2003 thru 2006. I had a lot of taxable income and i have my W-2's ready ... but just so i can be prepared for it. Will i still get my tax return for those years even though it's like two years too late?

Answer 1

The IRS doesn't waste resources sending mail to people who would get a refund if they just filed.

Since it's unlikely the poster had an extension, 2003 and 2004 won't get refunds, but should be filed in case it's a fluke and it would appear that he does owe.

Answer 2

Two year too late, yes you'll get your refund - and up to three years. But your 2003 and 2004 are even later than that, so you have forfeited  those refunds.

Answer 3

Yes you will get a refund if you had more withholding than taxes. The nice thing is their is no penalty for being late unless you owe. If you have a refund coming then no worries

Answer 4

It is too late to receive refunds for 2003 and 2004.   file 2005 before April 15. 2009 so you won't lose the refund.

Just hurry and file all your tax returns before IRS does which means you would end up owing then.

Good luck! get them filed ASAP

Answer 5

You need the services of a good tax adviser. Filing late means interest and penalties added on top. If you owe tax, and it was unpaid, i.e., not withheld, you have to pay the tax AND a penalty that gets bigger the later the return is filed and then interest on the unpaid amounts which also increase with time. If you are due a refund, it will be minus any interest and penalties. You screwed up by not filing when you should have. It is going to cost quite a bit in interest and penalties, even if you are due a refund. I'm surprised they have not contacted you about the break from 2002 through 2007 when you filed a return for 2007. One of the things they do to determine if they are going to do an audit is compare this year with previous years and I would have thought a break in the returns would have raised a big red flag for an audit. Two words: tax adviser!

Answer 6

Lots of challenges here. Read the link for most of your answers.

You should file those old taxes.