Haven't filed in a while? It's more fixable than it feels.
Tell me roughly how far behind you are. I'll personally review what you share and recommend the right first step, so you know where you stand before you commit to anything.
- Your records don't need to be together first
- Reaching out doesn't alert the IRS
- Handled online, on your schedule, with me directly
19+ years · enrolled to represent taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service
A few things worth knowing
Most people find at least one of these reassuring. Your situation may vary, which is what the review is for.
You may not need to file every missing year
The IRS generally focuses on the most recent six years. Depending on your situation, older years may never need to be touched.
Filing comes first, even if paying can't
The monthly penalty for not filing is ten times the penalty for not paying, up to its cap. If you can't pay yet, filing is still the right first move.
If the IRS filed for you, their number is usually high
A substitute return prepared by the IRS typically leaves out deductions and credits you're entitled to. Filing your own return is how those get counted.
Some of those years may owe you money
Refunds can generally be claimed for three years from the original due date. After that they're gone, so the clock is worth knowing about.
How getting current works
Tell me what you know
The short form above. Rough answers are fine. I'll reply personally with a recommended first step, at no charge.
We start with the facts
Most situations begin with a review of what the IRS has on file, and sometimes your own records and state accounts too. You'll get clear recommendations, and you'll know the cost before anything starts.
You review, e-sign, and you're current
Upload through a secure portal, review your returns, sign electronically. If there's a balance, we work through the options together.
You'll work with me, start to finish
I'm Wendy Litten, an Enrolled Agent with 19+ years of tax experience. I'm enrolled to represent taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service, which means I can speak with the IRS on your behalf.
From your first message to the final signature, you're dealing with me. No handoffs, and no retelling your story to someone new.
Falling behind on taxes is common. Being judged for it isn't part of the process.
The questions people actually ask
Will contacting you put me on the IRS's radar?
No. Talking with me is confidential, and nothing goes to the IRS without your authorization.
I don't have my W-2s or 1099s anymore.
That's normal. Much of what was reported to the IRS can be pulled from your transcripts, so that's usually where we start.
What if I owe more than I can pay?
We file first, then look at the options. Those can include payment plans, hardship status, or penalty relief if you qualify. Not being able to pay doesn't have to stop you from getting current.
How much will this cost?
Sending the form and getting my recommendation costs nothing. Most situations start with a review of your IRS records, which is a paid service, and you'll know the price before you agree to anything. Filing costs depend on how many years are involved and how complicated they are.
It's been a really long time. Is that a problem?
It's more common than you'd think, and it's rarely too late. It does tend to get simpler the sooner it starts.
Do I need to know what service I need?
Not at all. Sorting that out is my job. If it's straightforward, we'll keep it straightforward.
Two minutes now beats another year of wondering
Start with the short form. I'll take it from there.
Get my next stepPrefer something else? Text 732-4-LITTEN · Telegram · taxes@wendylitten.com