Unfiled Tax Return
IRS Definition
You haven’t filed your federal income tax return for this year or previous years. Regardless of your reason for not filing a required return, file your tax return as soon as possible.
More from H&R Block
If you don’t file a required tax return by the due date, the IRS will charge you a 5% per month penalty for failing to file. If you owe taxes on the return, the IRS will also charge a 0.5% per month failure to pay penalty. Interest will also accrue on any unpaid balance from the day the return was due until the date you pay the tax in full.
The IRS can also file a return for you, called a substitute for return (SFR). The IRS prepares the return based on information it has from your employers, banks, financial institutions and other payers.
If you have a refund due, you must file your tax return within three years of the due date of the return or you’ll lose your refund.
Get help from an IRS expert
H&R Block’s experts can solve any IRS problem, no matter how complex.
Related Information
Learn about the consequences and complications of an unflied tax return from the experts at H&R Block.
Learn about the consequences you may face if you are self-employed and have unfiled returns. Get the facts from the tax experts at H&R Block.
Need copies of your old Forms W-2 or 1099? Learn about the four different ways to obtain IRS wage and income transcripts from the tax experts at H&R Block.
If you haven't filed required tax returns, find out how far back you may need to file, and get the nine tips you need to know about filing back tax returns.
If you haven't filed tax returns in awhile, there are things you need to know. Learn how to address back tax returns and what you can expect when you file.
Get the facts from H&R Block about the four types of IRS penalty relief, and which IRS penalty relief option may be best for your situation.