Blog

Falling behind on taxes can be a frustrating experience, but you want to take steps to rectify the situation as soon as possible. You might be wondering whether you can file multiple years of returns at one time. There are options available to taxpayers who need to file several years of back taxes. Whether you are an individual taxpayer or a small business owner, understanding your options when filing back taxes can help make the process less stressful and more manageable.

What Are Back Taxes?

You may owe back taxes if you have not filed or underpaid them in the past year. These taxes can be a significant problem for individuals and small business owners. Over time, it can lead to a buildup of interest and penalties, making it more difficult and expensive to fix the issue with the Internal Revenue Service.

The process of resolving these back taxes can be complicated. You will need to review and correct past tax returns and financial records in many situations. Consider working with a company specializing in small business accounting services for this task, especially if you have multiple years of back tax returns.

An experienced accountant can ensure that your tax information is accurate and up to date, helping minimize potential tax liabilities. They can also help you understand the tax laws and regulations that apply to your situation. Plus, these financial professionals will guide you through resolving any outstanding tax debts.

Unfortunately, many small business owners can fall behind on their tax obligations for many reasons, such as having fears of receiving a large tax bill, requiring clarification about the tax process, or needing to prioritize tax planning. No matter the reason, you will want to address back taxes as soon as possible. If you neglect your taxes, it can lead to significant financial consequences and legal penalties. By working with a knowledgeable South Jersey accountant, you can take a proactive approach to resolving your back taxes, putting you in a better position to succeed and grow your business in the long term.

What Happens If You Don’t Pay Back Taxes?

The consequences of falling behind on taxes can be severe. If you don’t file tax returns or pay taxes owed, it can result in a range of problems, including IRS notices and letters, wage garnishments and bank account levies, and the accrual of tax penalties and interest.

The IRS will first send notices and letters to collect taxes. In many cases, these notices contain language stating you are at risk of further enforcement action if you do not settle your tax debts. If you ignore these letters, the IRS may take additional measures to collect the taxes owed to the government.

In addition to these enforcement actions, failing to file tax returns or pay taxes owed can also result in the accrual of tax penalties and interest. The longer you wait to address your tax debts, the more penalties and interest you will incur. As a result, those financial penalties make it even more difficult and expensive to fix the issue. Remember that interest and penalties can add up quickly. They can make a significant dent in your finances, especially if you do not take action to resolve your tax obligations in a timely manner.

Can You File Two Tax Years Together?

Yes, you can file multiple back taxes at once. In fact, it is often recommended to file multiple returns at once to catch up on all of your taxes from the previous years. You can file back taxes by obtaining copies of your old returns or estimating your income and expenses for the missing years. Once you have that, you can submit the returns to the IRS.

Filing multiple tax returns for several years can be time-consuming. If you need to file multiple years of back taxes, the process can take longer, especially if your tax situation is more complex or you have many deductions and credits to claim. Filing several years of returns can take several days, even a week or more, depending on the circumstances.

If you owe taxes for multiple years and cannot pay the full amount all at once, you can work out a payment plan with the IRS. These plans can help you avoid penalties and interest. Additionally, they can give you more time to pay off your tax debt. However, setting up a payment plan does not relieve you of your obligation to file all of your missing tax returns.

Once again, it is always a good idea to seek the advice of a tax professional if you need to learn how to file back taxes or have concerns about your ability to pay your tax debt. They can help you navigate the process and ensure that your returns are filed correctly and promptly.

Get Help With Your Taxes

When you need assistance filing one or multiple years of taxes, TMD Accounting is here to help. With a track record of serving small and large companies for over four decades in Gloucester County, we have the experience to handle your payroll, tax, and bookkeeping needs. We want to help you rectify any issues you may have with past back taxes. As a family-owned and -operated business, we take pride in providing personalized and professional services to our clients in South Jersey. If you would like to schedule a consultation, call us at 1-856-228-2205.