top of page

Unfiled Tax Returns: Why You Shouldn’t Wait to Resolve Them

  • Rona Law Firm
  • Sep 19, 2025
  • 2 min read

Unfiled tax returns
Don't wait to file your tax returns

If you’ve fallen behind on filing your tax returns, you’re not alone. Thousands of people each year face the same problem. But ignoring unfiled returns can quickly spiral into bigger issues — from IRS penalties to wage garnishments and even levies on your bank account. The good news? A tax attorney can help you get back on track and protect your finances.


Why Unfiled Tax Returns Are a Serious Problem


The IRS expects every taxpayer to file their return each year, even if they can’t afford to pay the balance. When you don’t file:

  • Penalties and interest add up quickly.

  • The IRS can file a “Substitute for Return” (SFR) on your behalf, often overstating what you owe.

  • You may lose out on valuable deductions, credits, or even refunds.

  • Continued failure to file can result in aggressive collection actions.


What the IRS Can Do If You Don’t File


Unfiled tax returns open the door to serious consequences:

  • Wage garnishment – The IRS can take a portion of every paycheck.

  • Bank levy – Your bank account can be frozen and emptied.

  • Tax liens – The IRS can place a lien on your home, car, or business property.

  • Criminal charges – In extreme cases, failure to file may be treated as tax evasion.


How a Tax Attorney Can Help with Unfiled Returns


If you’re searching for a “tax lawyer near me” to help with unfiled tax returns, here’s how we can guide you:

  1. Gather IRS Transcripts – We find out exactly what the IRS has on file for you.

  2. Reconstruct Your Income – Even without records, we can help recreate accurate returns.

  3. Prepare and File Back Returns – Getting compliant is the first step to resolution.

  4. Negotiate with the IRS – Once you’re current, we can work on reducing your debt through an installment agreement, Offer in Compromise, or penalty abatement.


Take Action Before the IRS Does


Waiting only makes matters worse. The IRS won’t forget about unfiled returns, and every day you wait increases penalties and risks. By working with a tax attorney who focuses on tax resolution, you can stop worrying and start moving toward financial stability.

📞 Contact our office today to schedule a confidential consultation. Whether you’re one year behind or ten, we’ll create a strategy to get you compliant and protect you from aggressive IRS collection actions.

 
 
 

Comments


Get helpful tax tips 

See latest News

  • IRS Circular 230 Disclosure: To ensure compliance with requirements imposed by the IRS, I must inform you that any U.S. federal tax advice contained in this website is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, for the purpose of (i) avoiding penalties under the Internal Revenue Code or (ii) promoting, marketing or recommending to another party any transaction or matter contained in this website.

  • Offer in Compromise

  • Installment Agreement

  • IRS tax lien

  • Wage Garnishment Release 

  • Tax Debt Resolution 

  • Tax Attorney

  • IRS Audit Representation

  • IRS Fresh Start Initiative 

  • Tax lawyer

  • Penalty Abatement 

  • IRS Attorney

  • Bank Levy Release

  • Income Tax Audits

  • Back Payroll Tax Resolution

  • Sales Tax Audits

  • Business Tax Audits

Rona Law Firm, APLC

21515 Hawthorne Blvd.

Suite 200

Torrance, CA 90503

www.ronalawfirm.com

CONNECT WITH US:

  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • facebook-square
  • Twitter Square
bottom of page