Filing a past due return may not be as difficult as you think. Taxpayers should file all tax returns that are due, regardless of whether or not full payment can be made with the return. Depending on an individual’s circumstances, a taxpayer filing late may qualify for a payment plan. All payment plans require continued compliance with all filing and payment responsibilities after the plan is approved. It is important, however, to know that full payment of taxes saves you money.
Here’s What to Do
Gather Past Due Return InformationIn order for the IRS to assist with preparing a tax return, taxpayers should bring any and all information related to income and deductions for the tax years for which a return is required to be filed.
Prepare and File Forms
You’ll need to get the proper forms and publications. Then sign and date your tax return and send to the correct address.
Getting Free Help
The IRS offers free assistance by computer, telephone, and facsimile, and in person. The IRS can assist taxpayers with obtaining forms, publications, and answers to a wide range of tax questions.
Payment Options – Ways to Make a Payment
There are several different ways to make a payment on your taxes. Payments can be made by credit card, electronic funds transfer, check, money order, cashier’s check, or cash.
Payment Options – For Those Who Can’t Pay in Full
Taxpayers unable to pay all taxes due on the bill are encouraged to pay as much as possible. By paying as much as possible now, the amount of interest and penalties owed will be lessened. Based on the circumstances, a taxpayer could qualify for an extension of time to pay, an Installment Agreement, temporary delay, or Offer in Compromise.
Taxpayers who need more time to pay can find out in just a few minutes whether they qualify for a payment agreement with the IRS. Just click on the Online Payment Agreement link and follow the prompts. By entering some basic information about their tax situation, eligible taxpayers can set up in a matter of minutes either a short-term payment extension or a monthly payment plan.
- A short-term extension gives a taxpayer up to 120 days to pay. No fee is charged, but the late-payment penalty plus interest will apply.
- A monthly payment plan or installment agreement gives a taxpayer more time to pay. Penalties and interest will continue to be charged on the unpaid portion of the debt throughout the duration of the installment agreement/payment plan. It is important to review all options as the interest rate on a loan or credit card may be lower than the combination of penalties and interest imposed by the Internal Revenue Code. It is best that you pay as much as possible before entering into an installment agreement.
- A user fee will also be charged if the installment agreement is approved. The fee, normally $105, is reduced to $52 if taxpayers agree to make their monthly payments electronically through electronic funds withdrawal. The fee is $43 for eligible low-and-moderate-income taxpayers.
- Alternatively, taxpayers can apply for a payment agreement by filling out Form 9465, Installment Agreement Request. This form can be filed along with either an electronically filed return or a paper return. If filing on paper, be sure to attach it to the front of the return.
What Will Happen If You Don’t File Your Past Due Return or Contact the IRSIt’s important to understand the ramifications of not filing a past due return and the steps that the IRS will take. Taxpayers who continue to not file a required return and fail to respond to IRS requests for a return may be considered for a variety of enforcement actions.
Please contact us for further information and support on your late returns.
