Sometimes taxpayers and the IRS just disagree on whether the taxpayer filed a return. The taxpayer faces a daunting task to prove the filing of a return. In a recent bankruptcy case, McGrew v. Internal Revenue Service, the court held that the taxpayer proved her case. Her success provides some insight into how a taxpayer might win this argument.

What happens if you don’t file your taxes on time?

This holds true whether you hire a paid preparer, use a personal or corporate accountant, use tax software, or file your taxes yourself. This means that if your accountant fails to file your return and is unreachable, you are still responsible for submitting a tax return on time.

Can a person file a tax return on your behalf?

You already e-filed or filed your return on another website or elsewhere (prepared and filed your own on paper, at a tax office, etc.). Someone has filed a return on your behalf (i.e. if he or she claimed you as a dependent on their return).

How to contact the IRS if you have not filed a tax return?

For taxpayers who haven’t filed in previous years, the IRS has current and prior year tax forms and instructions available on the IRS.gov Forms and Publications page or by calling toll-free 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676). Taxpayers who are missing Forms W-2, 1098, 1099 or 5498 should request copies from their employer, bank or other payer.

Why do I get a letter from the IRS about my tax return?

This letter is to notify you that the agency received a tax return with your name and Social Security number and it believes it may not be yours. The letter asks you to take specific steps to verify your identity and confirm whether or not the return is actually yours.

How does the IRS prove it’s tax fraud cases?

If you look at the previous six months, the spending patterns, credit card bills, bank deposits and withdrawals will be very different and may be a sign of tax fraud. The bottom line is that the IRS is very good at finding out if you are hiding something. They have lots of experience, lots of tools and very sophisticated methods at their disposal.

Where can I get proof of mailing for my tax return?

Until the IRS is able to return to normal operations, it is more important than ever to obtain proof of mailing for paper-filed tax returns and correspondence. Currently, the most reliable way to do this is through PDS options. For more information about proof of mailing options, please contact your local CBIZ tax professional.