I need to file my 2001 taxes, that was the last time I worked?

Question

My stimulus check was confiscated by the IRS because I didn't file taxes for 2001 and 2002. I worked 1/1/01 till 10/01, then collected unemployment from 10/01 until 4/02. If I just filed for working, and hadn't collected in 01, I would have gotten a refund. However, unemployment didn't take out taxes, so I have to pay for unemployment income from October till December 01. (I would think that would be a wash). Then, however, I would owe on unemployment from 1/02 till 4/02. I don't have any of the paperwork i.e., W/2 and whatever the unemployment form # is. Can I get all the numbers from the IRS and DOR, or do I have to get it from my previous employer and DEA, (unemployment office)? Any information you could give me would be very helpful. I have been on disability since 4/2 so I don't have to file anymore. Except for this past year, in order to receive the stimulus. .

Answer 1

Exactly how do you thing a tax return would reduce the tax bill?

All the IRS did when they filed for you was to file you as single, standard deduction and your exemption.  They pulled the tax from the tax table and compared it with your withholding.  Clearly it wasn't enough and that's why you owe.

Unless you can show you would have filed as, say head of household, with a dependent or could have itemized, filing now won't necessarily change the numbers any.

The IRS can send you a W-2/income transcript (form 4506T)

Answer 2

Call the phone number listed on your correspondence from the IRS and they will send you the W2 they have on file.  IF IRS filed for you then you would have received a letter giving you 30 days to respond by either filing your own return or signing a consent form to let IRS file for you.  If you didn't reply to the 30 day letter IRS then sent you a certified letter giving you 90 days to file a return or sign a waiver giving IRS the okay to file for you.  Or to petition the court.

You didn't reply to either so IRS filed as stated on the letter.  

IF you don't have a phone number to call then call 1-800-829-1040 or 1-800-829-7650 and request to be given the refund hold phone number and ask the phone assistor to provide you with the w2.

Answer 3

Too late now.  You screwed yourself.

Answer 4

VB's response is exactly correct. Unless you had a different filing status, claimed dependents, or itemized deductions, there will be no difference from what the IRS did.

Answer 5

Are you saying that you think the refund you would have gotten from working the first 10 months of 2001 would have covered the amount you owed on the unemployment?  That's possible, but you'd have to fill out the return to find out.  If there is any net refund, it's too late to collect it, but if you still owe, then you'd have to pay it.  And for 2002, if nothing was withheld, you'd owe if you made enough to have to file.

You should be able to get the numbers from the IRS that you'll need in order to file.