Back Taxes & Unfiled Returns
Catch up on years of unfiled federal and state returns, reduce penalties and get back into good standing.
How BATS handles back taxes & unfiled returns
Falling behind on returns happens more often than most people admit, and the longer it goes the harder it feels to start. We pull your IRS records, reconstruct missing information, file what is needed and then work on any balance, usually in that order.
We work with clients in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., so state-specific rules are covered whether you are in one state or several.
Who this is for
- Individuals with one or more unfiled years
- Business owners behind on business and payroll returns
- Anyone who received a substitute-for-return assessment
- Taxpayers getting IRS notices about missing returns
Everything covered in this service
IRS account and wage-and-income transcript review
Reconstruction of missing income and expenses
Preparation of all past-due federal and state returns
Replacement of IRS substitute-for-return assessments
Penalty relief requests
A plan for any balance owed
The paperwork behind back taxes & unfiled returns
| Wage and income transcripts | Everything reported to the IRS under your name for each year |
|---|---|
| Account transcripts | Assessments, penalties and payments on file |
| Form 4506-T | Request for transcripts when online access isn't available |
| Past-year Form 1040s | Prepared on the forms for each original tax year |
| Substitute for return replacement | Your own return filed to replace an IRS-prepared one |
| Form 843 | Requests to remove penalties once returns are filed |
What we'll need from you
Have these ready and your first meeting goes much faster. Don't worry if something is missing; we'll help you find it.
- Any W-2s and 1099s you still have
- Bank statements for the missing years
- Records of business income and expenses
- Every IRS or state notice you received
How it works, step by step
Pull transcripts
We see exactly what the IRS has on file for each year.
Rebuild records
We reconstruct income and expenses where documents are missing.
File
We prepare and file every required return.
Resolve the balance
We request penalty relief and set up a payment option.
Why clients choose BATS for back taxes & unfiled returns
We speak to the IRS
With your authorisation, the IRS contacts us instead of you.
Transcript-first
We start from your IRS records so nothing is missed.
Honest options
We tell you which programs you actually qualify for.
Compliance going forward
We keep current filings on track so a resolution holds.
Back Taxes & Unfiled Returns FAQs
11 answers to the questions clients ask us most. Don't see yours? Ask us directly.
How many years do I need to file?
The IRS usually asks for the last six years to consider you compliant, but every situation is different.
What if I cannot find my documents?
We obtain IRS wage and income transcripts and use bank records to reconstruct what is missing.
Will I go to jail?
Criminal prosecution for unfiled returns is rare, and coming forward voluntarily before the IRS contacts you is the strongest position to be in.
How long can the IRS collect back taxes?
Generally 10 years from the date tax is assessed. Some actions, such as bankruptcy or an Offer in Compromise, pause that clock.
Can I still get refunds for old years?
Usually only for about three years after the original due date. After that, refunds for unfiled years are generally lost, which is a good reason not to wait.
What is a substitute for return?
A return the IRS prepares from third-party information, without your deductions or credits. Filing your own return usually reduces the balance.
How big are the penalties?
The failure-to-file penalty is 5% of unpaid tax per month, up to 25%, and the failure-to-pay penalty is 0.5% per month, up to 25%. Filing quickly stops the larger penalty from growing.
Do I need to file state returns too?
If you lived or worked in a state with an income tax, yes. We file state returns for the same years.
Who will represent me before the IRS?
Representation before the IRS is limited by Treasury Circular 230 to CPAs, enrolled agents and attorneys. Your case is handled by a credentialed representative who signs Form 2848 with you.
Will hiring you stop IRS collection?
Not automatically. Collection usually pauses once a resolution request, such as an installment agreement or appeal, is properly filed. We move quickly to get that protection in place.
What does resolution cost?
It depends on the number of years and the complexity of the case. We review your IRS transcripts first, then give you a written quote.
Often paired with this service
IRS Payment Plans & Tax Debt Relief
Installment agreements, Offers in Compromise, currently-not-collectible status and lien or levy release.
Learn moreIRS Representation & ResolutionIRS Penalty Abatement
Requests to remove failure-to-file, failure-to-pay and other IRS penalties through first-time abatement or reasonable cause.
Learn moreIRS Representation & ResolutionIRS Notices & Letters
Fast, accurate responses to IRS and state tax notices such as CP2000, CP14 and identity verification letters.
Learn moreBack Taxes & Unfiled Returns in every state
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- Washington, D.C.
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Popular cities
- Birmingham, AL
- Anchorage, AK
- Phoenix, AZ
- Little Rock, AR
- Los Angeles, CA
- Denver, CO
- Bridgeport, CT
- Wilmington, DE
- Jacksonville, FL
- Atlanta, GA
- Honolulu, HI
- Boise, ID
- Chicago, IL
- Indianapolis, IN
- Des Moines, IA
- Wichita, KS
- Louisville, KY
- New Orleans, LA
- Portland, ME
- Baltimore, MD
- Boston, MA
- Detroit, MI
- Minneapolis, MN
- Jackson, MS
- Kansas City, MO
- Billings, MT
- Omaha, NE
- Las Vegas, NV
- Manchester, NH
- Newark, NJ
- Albuquerque, NM
- New York City, NY
- Charlotte, NC
- Fargo, ND
- Columbus, OH
- Oklahoma City, OK
- Portland, OR
- Philadelphia, PA
- Providence, RI
- Charleston, SC
- Sioux Falls, SD
- Nashville, TN
- Houston, TX
- Salt Lake City, UT
- Burlington, VT
- Virginia Beach, VA
- Seattle, WA
- Washington
- Charleston, WV
- Milwaukee, WI
- Cheyenne, WY
Get help with back taxes & unfiled returns
Book a consultation and get a clear plan for your taxes and books, wherever you are in the U.S.