Step 1: Determine Which Tax Returns Are Missing
The first step is figuring out which tax years still need to be filed.
You can do this by:
Reviewing your IRS online account.
Looking through your previous tax records.
Requesting your IRS Wage and Income Transcript if you're missing W-2s or 1099s.
Many people are surprised to learn they're missing fewer—or more—returns than they expected.
Step 2: Gather Your Tax Documents
Collect as many records as possible for each unfiled year, including:
W-2s
1099 forms
Mortgage interest statements
Property tax records
Business income and expenses
Charitable contribution receipts
Health insurance forms
If you've lost documents, don't panic. Tax transcripts and other records can often help recreate the information needed to file.
Step 3: Prepare Each Return Using the Correct Year's Tax Forms
Each tax year has its own tax laws, deductions, and tax rates.
For example, a 2022 tax return must be prepared using 2022 tax forms—not current-year forms.
Preparing prior-year returns correctly is one of the most important parts of the process.
Step 4: File Your Back Tax Returns
Once the returns are completed, they can be submitted to the IRS.
Depending on the tax year, returns may need to be mailed rather than electronically filed.
After filing, it may take several weeks for the IRS to process older returns.
Step 5: Address Any Taxes You Owe
Some people receive refunds on back tax returns.
Others discover they owe additional tax.
If you owe money, don't assume you have to pay everything immediately.
The IRS offers several options, including:
Payment plans
Short-term payment arrangements
Other resolution options depending on your circumstances
Ignoring the balance usually results in additional penalties and interest.
What Happens If You Wait?
Waiting generally makes the situation worse.
The IRS may:
Assess failure-to-file penalties.
Continue charging interest.
Offset future tax refunds.
Send collection notices.
File a Substitute for Return (SFR) using only income information they have available, often resulting in a higher tax bill because deductions and credits aren't included.
The sooner you file, the more options you'll typically have.
Can You Still Get a Refund?
Yes—but only for a limited time.
In most cases, you have three years from the original filing deadline to claim a refund. After that period, the refund is generally forfeited.
If you think you're owed money, filing sooner is especially important.
Do You Need a Tax Professional?
Not everyone needs professional help.
However, it's often worth getting assistance if:
You're behind multiple years.
You own a business.
You received IRS notices.
You're missing tax documents.
You're unsure how much you owe.
You simply want the process handled correctly.
A tax professional can prepare the missing returns, explain your options, and help you move forward with confidence.
Need Help Filing Back Taxes?
If you're behind on your tax filings, the hardest part is usually getting started.
At Thompson Tax Services, I help individuals and small business owners catch up on unfiled tax returns, understand their options, and get back into compliance with the IRS.
Schedule a consultation today to discuss your situation and get a clear plan for moving forward.
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