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Are You Behind on Filing Tax Returns?

Internal Revenue Service - IRSWashington, D.C. – The failure to file a federal tax return can cost you – either by increasing what you owe the IRS or by causing you to miss out on a refund.

So, why didn’t you file? Maybe you didn’t know you were required to file. Maybe you just kept putting it off and simply forgot. Whatever the reason, it’s best to file your return as soon as possible. If you need help, even with a late return, the IRS is ready to assist you.

Here are some things to consider:

  • Penalties and Interest. If you owe taxes, a delay in filing will likely result in a late filing penalty as well as a late payment penalty, plus interest charges. The longer you wait, the more these charges grow.
  • Losing Your Refund. There is no penalty for failure to file if you are due a refund. But you can’t get a refund without filing a tax return, and if you wait too long to file, you risk losing the refund altogether. The deadline for claiming refunds generally is three years after the return due date. For example, the last day for claiming a refund for your 2009 tax return will be April 15, 2013.
  • Earned Income Tax Credit. People who are entitled to the Earned Income Tax Credit must file their return to claim the credit even if they are not otherwise required to file. To get the credit, you’ve got to file.

Whether or not you must file a tax return will depend upon a number of factors, including your filing status, age, and gross income.

If your income was $51,000 or less, your local IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center may be able to assist you in preparing your prior year return. You can locate your nearest center at www.irs.gov. For more information on how to file a tax return for a prior year, visit the IRS website or call the IRS Tax Help Line for Individuals at 800.829.1040.

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