What If I Haven’t Filed Taxes in Years? with Kevin Cross
Faith & Finance with Rob West
Did you hear about the guy who tried to pay his taxes with a smile? Unfortunately for him, the IRS still prefers cash. All jokes aside, failing to file your taxes for several years is no small matter—but it’s not the end of the road, either. Kevin Cross joins us today with practical steps to help you get back on track. Kevin Cross is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) who has headed CPA firms in Florida and now Georgia. He has studied the tax code extensively and specializes in representing taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
Show Notes
Did you hear about the guy who tried to pay his taxes with a smile? Unfortunately for him, the IRS still prefers cash.
All jokes aside, failing to file your taxes for several years is no small matter—but it’s not the end of the road, either. Kevin Cross joins us today with practical steps to help you get back on track.
Kevin Cross is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) who has headed CPA firms in Florida and now Georgia. He has studied the tax code extensively and specializes in representing taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).Start With the Present, Not the Past
The further you fall behind, the more difficult it is to catch up. But rather than beginning with the year you first missed, he recommends filing your most recent return first—say, 2024—and working backward as needed. This shows the IRS that you’re attempting to come into compliance, not ignoring your obligations.
Falling behind on taxes is more common than most people think. Life events like divorce, disability, job loss, or even the rise of gig work can trigger tax complications. For example, many gig workers receive a 1099 for the first time, try to file using online software, and are shocked to discover they owe thousands. Rather than seek help, they freeze—and the following year’s return also goes unfiled.
Of course, COVID didn’t help as many people have been struggling since then to get back on track.
Do You Always Have to File?
A common misunderstanding is that you must always file. If you’re not going to owe anything, you don’t have to file. That includes many senior citizens who live solely on Social Security.
However, if you're due a refund, you have up to three years to file and claim it. Miss that window, and the refund is forfeited.
Importantly, there’s a difference between not filing and Sometimes you don’t know what you owe—or if you owe—until you file.You Might Also Like
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