How many years back can you file federal and state taxes if they owe YOU money and are there any penalties?

Question

How many years back can you file federal and state taxes if they owe YOU money and are there any penalties?

Answer 1

You lose everything they owe you by the 3rd year, can no longer claim/get it. Yes, penalties.

Answer 2

You have three years, if due a refund, on federal taxes. After three years you could be subjected to fines and penalties for failure to file. Contact the Taxpayer Advocate Service ( TAS ) at 1-877-777-4778. The TAS is an independent organization within the IRS that helps taxpayers with these kinds of issues. The TAS is for federal tax concerns, as far as state taxes, each state has their own guidelines and procedures for dealing with state taxes, so contact the Treasury department of the state you reside. I'm sure you can easily find any information on the net. I went through a similar situation not long ago. I was very apprehensive, but when I contacted the above, I was treated very nice and they bent over backwards to help me! Don't be scared, the longer you put this off, the worst it's gonna get. GOOD LUCK!