Unfiled Tax Returns

Unfiled Utah and/or Federal Tax Returns

Failure to file your tax returns may be construed as a criminal act by the IRS. If you have unfiled returns for multiple years, it is critical to address this situation promptly with professional legal guidance.

The Risks of Unfiled Tax Returns

Unfiled returns create serious legal and financial risks:

• Criminal prosecution: Willful failure to file is a federal crime punishable by up to one year in prison per year not filed.
• Substitute for Return (SFR): The IRS may file a return on your behalf using only income information it has, with none of your deductions or credits, resulting in a much higher tax bill.
• Unlimited statute of limitations: The IRS has unlimited time to assess tax for years you never filed.
• Mounting penalties: Failure to file penalties accrue at 5% per month on the unpaid balance, up to 25%.
• Collection actions: Once the IRS assesses tax, they can immediately begin collection actions including levies and liens.

Why People Don't File

There are many reasons taxpayers fall behind on filing:

• Fear of a large tax bill they cannot pay
• Missing records or documentation
• Personal hardship, illness, or life crisis
• Disagreement with the IRS about what is owed
• Simply falling behind and not knowing how to catch up

How We Help

No matter the reason, the problem only gets worse with time. The IRS is actually more willing to work with taxpayers who come forward voluntarily than those who are caught.

Our attorneys guide clients through the process of bringing their returns current in a way that minimizes penalties and positions them for the best available resolution options. We:

• Help reconstruct records when documentation is missing
• Prepare and file multiple years of returns strategically
• Negotiate with the IRS regarding prior Substitute for Returns filed by the IRS
• Immediately begin working on resolution of any balances owed

Take Action Now

Call Michelle Turpin P.C. today at (801) 685-0552 for a confidential consultation. The sooner you act, the better your options.