Quick Answer: If you have unfiled tax returns, the fastest way to regain compliance is to gather your income records (W-2s, 1099s, bank statements), request IRS transcripts, prepare all missing returns in order from oldest to newest, and submit them together. The IRS usually requires the past six years of returns to be filed to restore “good standing.” Working with a licensed tax professional ensures accuracy, maximizes deductions, and can help you avoid or reduce penalties.

Why Filing Unfiled Tax Returns Matters

Leaving tax returns unfiled is not just a paperwork problem—it’s a serious compliance issue that can lead to mounting penalties, wage garnishments, bank levies, and even criminal charges in extreme cases. The IRS maintains its own records of your income and can prepare a “substitute for return” (SFR) on your behalf—often overstating your tax liability because it omits deductions and credits.

If you haven’t filed in years, the good news is that you can get back into compliance and often minimize the damage with the right strategy.

How Many Years Do You Need to File?

While the tax code technically requires you to file for every year you have income above the minimum threshold, the IRS’s standard policy is to require the most recent six years of returns for compliance. In certain cases—especially if you’re seeking a refund—you may need fewer years, but missing refunds expire after three years.

Steps to File Multiple Years of Back Taxes

1. Collect Your Records

Gather W-2s, 1099s, brokerage statements, bank records, and any receipts for deductible expenses. If you don’t have them, request IRS wage and income transcripts for the missing years.

2. Order IRS Transcripts

You can order transcripts online at IRS.gov or by filing Form 4506-T. These provide a record of all reported income and can help ensure no income sources are overlooked.

3. Prepare the Oldest Year First

The IRS requires returns to be filed in chronological order. This also helps ensure that carryforwards (like capital losses or net operating losses) are applied correctly.

4. Consider Penalty Relief

If your failure to file was due to reasonable cause—such as illness, natural disaster, or reliance on incorrect professional advice—you may qualify for penalty abatement.

5. Submit and Confirm Processing

Send returns via certified mail or file electronically if available. Always confirm the IRS has processed your returns and updated your account.

Risks of Waiting

The longer you wait, the more penalties and interest accrue. In some cases, the IRS may file an SFR and start collection actions before you’ve even submitted your returns. If you owe a balance you can’t pay in full, filing first is essential before setting up an Installment Agreement or requesting Currently Not Collectible status.

How Polaris Tax & Accounting Helps Nationwide

At Polaris Tax & Accounting, we specialize in helping taxpayers across the U.S. file years of missing returns quickly and accurately. As licensed Enrolled Agents with full IRS representation rights, we can:

  • Retrieve IRS transcripts and reconstruct missing records

  • Prepare multiple years of returns to maximize deductions

  • Negotiate penalty relief and payment plans

  • Stop IRS collection actions while you get caught up

Whether you’re behind one year or ten, we make the process efficient, discreet, and focused on getting you back in good standing.

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Don’t let unfiled tax returns hold you back another year. Contact Polaris Tax & Accounting today to schedule a confidential consultation and take the first step toward a clean slate.