Unfiled Tax Returns.

How many years do I need to file?

The IRS generally asks for the last six years of returns to bring a taxpayer back into compliance, although it can ask for more in some situations. Ohio and city tax agencies have their own requirements. We confirm with the agency what is actually being requested before we file anything.

Substitute for return

If you do not file, the IRS may prepare a substitute for return using information it has, such as W-2s and 1099s. A substitute return usually does not include your deductions, credits or business expenses, so it often shows more tax than you really owe. You can generally replace it by filing your own accurate return.

Penalties and refunds

• The failure-to-file penalty is generally 5% of the unpaid tax for each month or part of a month the return is late, up to 25%.
• The failure-to-pay penalty and interest are added on top.
• If you were owed a refund, you generally have three years from the original due date to claim it; after that it is lost.
• There is generally no time limit for the IRS to assess tax for a year when no return was filed.

How we catch you up

• We pull your IRS wage and income transcripts to see what was reported for each year.
• We gather your own records to claim the deductions and credits you are entitled to.
• We prepare the federal, Ohio and city returns and file them in the right order.
• Then we address any balance with a payment plan, penalty relief or another option.

Documents to gather

• Any W-2s, 1099s and other income records you still have (transcripts fill the gaps)
• Business income and expense records
• IRS and state notices
• Last return you filed

Please don’t send Social Security numbers, bank details or tax documents through the website chat or forms. We’ll arrange a secure way to share them.

How fees work

We quote a flat fee after the free consultation, once we know what the work involves, and agree the scope with you before any work starts. Amounts owed to the agency, and any agency fees, are paid to the agency, not to us. No one can promise a particular result: the agency decides, and our job is to present your case accurately and on time.

Frequently asked questions

Official sources

• IRS: Filing past due tax returns
• IRS Publication 594, The IRS Collection Process
• IRS: Penalty relief

Last updated November 13, 2026 · General information, not tax or legal advice. Read the disclaimer.