Falling behind on your taxes can feel overwhelming—especially when it’s been more than a year. Whether life got busy, you lost documents, or you just didn’t know how to get started, Polaris Tax & Accounting helps clients in Charlotte catch up safely and legally.


Why People in Charlotte Fall Behind on Taxes

You’re not alone. Many of our clients in Mecklenburg County are behind on taxes due to:

  • Major life changes (divorce, death in the family, illness)

  • Self-employment income and no withholding

  • Lost or missing tax records

  • Past accountants who didn’t follow through

  • Fear of IRS consequences

The IRS doesn’t care why you fell behind—but they do care that you fix it.


What Happens If You Don’t File

Ignoring unfiled returns can lead to:

  • Substitute for Return (SFR): The IRS files a return on your behalf without deductions

  • Penalties & Interest: These grow over time, making your tax bill balloon

  • Loss of Refunds: You lose refunds if you don’t file within 3 years

  • Levy & Garnishment: The IRS may seize wages or bank accounts

  • Criminal Charges (in rare cases): Especially if income was high and avoidance was willful

If you’re in Charlotte and haven’t filed in years, the best time to act is now—before the IRS acts first.


How to File Back Taxes Step-by-Step

  1. Pull IRS Transcripts – We use your wage and income transcripts to recreate past returns accurately.

  2. Reconstruct Records – Even if you don’t have everything, we help estimate expenses legally and reasonably.

  3. Prioritize Compliance – Typically, the IRS wants the last six years filed to restore full compliance.

  4. Submit All at Once – Filing together shows you’re acting in good faith and prevents additional scrutiny.

  5. Resolve Any Balances – If you owe, we can negotiate payment plans or Offers in Compromise.


Charlotte Tip: Use an Enrolled Agent for IRS Back Tax Help

As a federally licensed Enrolled Agent (EA), we have the authority to:

  • Communicate directly with the IRS on your behalf

  • Represent you in audits, collections, or payment plan negotiations

  • Review IRS account transcripts to understand your exact situation

Don’t risk navigating this alone—most local tax preparers in Charlotte aren’t federally authorized to deal with back tax enforcement.


What If You Can’t Pay the IRS?

No problem. We help Charlotte clients file first, then determine the best resolution strategy:

  • Installment Agreement – Spread out payments over time

  • Currently Not Collectible (CNC) – Pause collection due to hardship

  • Offer in Compromise – Settle for less than you owe if you qualify


Real Charlotte Clients, Real Results

We’ve helped residents from South End to Northlake, from Ballantyne to University City get caught up on years of back taxes. Whether you owe a little or a lot, we handle it discreetly and efficiently.


Take Action Now

📞 Call Polaris Tax & Accounting at 704-947-3178
🔗 Visit our Charlotte Tax Help Page »


Related Charlotte Tax Help Articles: