If you haven’t filed taxes in years, the best way to catch up is to start filing your missing returns as soon as possible, even if you can’t afford to pay what you owe. Filing is the first step to reducing penalties and getting back into compliance with the IRS.

You don’t need to solve everything at once. The goal is to start the process and take control of the situation.

Step 1: Determine which years are missing

Start by identifying which tax years you have not filed. In most cases, the IRS will require the last six years of returns to be considered compliant.

If you’re unsure which years are missing, you can request your IRS transcripts, which show income reported under your Social Security number.

Step 2: Gather your income documents

Collect any documents related to your income for those years, such as:

  • W-2 forms from employers
  • 1099 forms for contract or freelance work
  • Bank or investment statements

If you’re missing documents, IRS transcripts can help fill in the gaps.

Step 3: Prepare and file your returns

Once you have your information, the next step is to prepare and file your tax returns for each missing year.

Even if you cannot pay the full amount owed, filing is critical. The IRS charges higher penalties for not filing than for not paying, so getting your returns submitted helps limit additional costs.

Step 4: Review your balance and options

After your returns are filed, you will have a clearer picture of what you owe. At that point, you can explore options to resolve the balance based on your financial situation.

These options may include:

  • Monthly payment plans
  • Penalty reduction
  • Settlement programs in certain cases

The IRS typically requires you to be fully filed before any of these options are available.

The longer you wait, the more this can cost you.

If you’re dealing with back taxes or unfiled returns, getting clarity now can help you avoid additional penalties.

Call 303-867-9938 or schedule a call here.

Don’t wait until you can pay

One of the most common mistakes is waiting until you have the money to pay before filing. This can make the situation worse over time due to increasing penalties and interest.

Filing now, even without payment, helps reduce penalties and gives you more control over the outcome.

Bottom line

To catch up on unfiled taxes, start by filing your missing returns as soon as possible. You don’t need to pay everything right away, but getting compliant is the most important step toward resolving your tax situation.

Michael Perrone
Written By: Michael Perrone

Michael is the Digital Marketing Manager at BC Tax, where he leads content strategy and digital initiatives focused on helping individuals better understand complex tax topics. He works closely with the Director of Digital Marketing and internal teams to develop clear, accurate, and practical educational resources covering areas such as unfiled tax returns, IRS penalties, and tax debt resolution. Michael graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder.