Unfiled Tax Returns
Missing returns don't go away, and the longer they wait, the harder they become. We reconstruct your income, prepare the overdue returns and deal with the IRS so you can move forward, often for less than you fear.
How Nelson & Associates handles Unfiled Tax Returns
When you don't file, the IRS may prepare a substitute for return (SFR) using only the income it knows about, with no deductions, credits or the most favorable filing status. That usually overstates the tax. Filing your own returns replaces those assessments with accurate numbers and is the first step toward any payment plan or settlement.
In most cases the IRS expects the last six years to be filed to bring you back into compliance. We start by pulling your wage and income transcripts, reconstruct missing information from bank records and other sources, and prepare returns that claim every deduction you are entitled to. If refunds are due for recent years, we make sure you claim them before the three-year window closes.
Who this is for
- People who haven't filed for one year or many
- Self-employed taxpayers without organized records
- Taxpayers who received an SFR assessment
- Business owners behind on corporate or partnership returns
- People whose income came from several states or countries
- Anyone who received a delinquent return notice
Everything covered in our Unfiled Tax Returns service
- IRS transcript review to identify reported income
- Reconstruction of income and expenses from available records
- Preparation of all required federal returns
- Replacement of substitute-for-return assessments
- Penalty abatement requests where you qualify
- Payment plan or settlement once returns are filed
- State returns where you lived or worked outside Florida
- A compliance plan so it doesn't happen again
The paperwork behind Unfiled Tax Returns
| Form 1040 | Prior-year individual returns on that year's forms |
|---|---|
| Wage and Income Transcript | Lists W-2s, 1099s and other income reported to the IRS |
| CP59 / Letter 1862 | Notices asking why a return was not filed |
| CP2566 | Notice that the IRS proposes to assess tax through an SFR |
| Form 843 | Claim for refund and request for abatement |
| Form 2848 | Power of attorney so we can talk to the IRS for you |
What we’ll need from you
Have these ready and your first meeting goes faster. Missing something? We’ll help you find it.
- Any IRS letters you've received
- W-2s and 1099s you still have
- Bank statements for the missing years
- Records of business income and expenses
- Information on dependents for each year
- Your last filed return
How it works, step by step
Free confidential consultation
Tell us what the IRS sent and what has happened so far.
Get your IRS file
We pull your transcripts to see exactly what the IRS sees.
Build the solution
We file what's missing and choose the best resolution option.
Resolve and stay compliant
We negotiate, confirm the outcome and keep you on track.
Why clients choose us for Unfiled Tax Returns
CPA representation
With your signed Form 2848 we deal with the IRS directly, so you don't have to.
Efficient and affordable
We work toward the fastest resolution that fits your finances.
Extremely discreet
Your situation stays private, handled only by authorized staff.
Fraud and forensic background
Our founder has served as an expert witness in federal tax cases.
Unfiled Tax Returns across the United States
From our Doral office we provide Unfiled Tax Returns to clients in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Hover over a state to see its tax profile and the cities we serve; tap it to open the state page.
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Unfiled Tax Returns FAQs
6 answers to the questions clients ask most. Don’t see yours? Ask us directly.
How many years do I need to file?
The IRS generally requires the last six years to be filed to consider you compliant, though every case is different. We check your transcripts to see which years matter.
Will I go to jail for not filing?
Criminal prosecution for failing to file is rare and usually involves aggravating factors. Filing voluntarily before the IRS contacts you is the strongest position. If there is any criminal exposure, we work alongside a tax attorney.
Can I still get refunds for old years?
Refunds generally must be claimed within three years of the original due date. Older refunds are lost, so it pays to act quickly.
I don't have my records. Can you still file?
Yes. We use IRS transcripts, bank statements and other third-party records to reconstruct income and expenses.
What about penalties?
Failure-to-file and failure-to-pay penalties and interest apply, but some penalties can be removed through first-time abatement or reasonable cause.
Do you offer Unfiled Tax Returns outside Florida?
Yes. Our office is in Doral, Florida, and we work with clients across the United States and abroad through secure uploads, phone and video meetings and e-signatures. South Florida clients are welcome to meet with us in person.
Talk to a CPA about Unfiled Tax Returns.
Your initial consultation is free. Call us, email us or visit our Doral office, and we’ll tell you exactly what you need and what it will cost.