You may not know I used to do taxes because my Dad was a CPA. One of the things he always used to say in response to client concerns is “every year stands on its own.”

Let’s look at what this means & why it matters…

Many new clients that came to me to file expressed concern that if they suddenly filed now after having neglected doing so for years, they would get on the IRS’ radar & raise red flags about their past.

This isn’t actually a concern because “every year stands on its own.”

You should stay current with your tax filings. That said, if you’re behind and you catch up by filing for the most recent year, they’re not going to come knocking on your door for missing years.

There are other reasons they may follow up with you about missing years, but filing one year is not a cause to ask about another.

The IRS is a business. As a business, they decide what to use manpower for to pursue. They decide based on what will get them paid. And so, they may reach out to collect if they received an income form for a year without a tax return.

You can always go back and file missing years after getting caught up now with the recent one.

I offer this reassurance because if this is you – someone who has neglected to stay current with your tax filings to date – DO NOT let this be a reason to continue avoiding them.

​Don’t let past neglect decide what’s possible for you NOW.