If you haven’t filed your taxes in a few years, you’re far from alone. Life happens — maybe you changed jobs, became self-employed, or simply got overwhelmed and pushed it aside. Then one missed year turned into two or three. Before long, the idea of catching up feels impossible.
The good news is that it’s never too late to fix it. At DF Chamberlain Tax Debt Services, Donna Farrar Chamberlain, CPA, provides compassionate and professional IRS representation for individuals and small businesses across Texas. With nearly 30 years of experience, she helps clients navigate complex IRS issues and find what she calls REAL Tax Resolution™ — relief that lasts.
Understanding What Happens When You Don’t File
When you skip a tax year, the IRS doesn’t simply move on. Over time, unfiled returns can trigger:
- IRS “substitute for return” filings that overstate your income and taxes owed
- Late-filing and late-payment penalties
- Wage garnishments or bank levies
- Loss of potential refunds (the IRS only honors refunds for returns filed within three years)
The longer you wait, the more aggressive IRS collection efforts become. But even if it’s been five, ten, or more years, you can still come into compliance — and often on far better terms than you’d expect.
Reconstructing Your Missing Tax Information
The first step toward resolution is rebuilding your tax history. If you’ve misplaced old W-2s or 1099s, don’t worry — the IRS maintains income transcripts for each year.
Donna can help retrieve those records securely and identify exactly which years need to be filed. This process ensures accuracy and avoids duplicate or unnecessary returns. For self-employed individuals, bank statements and expense records help fill in any gaps.
Filing Past-Due Returns the Right Way
Once the documentation is gathered, the next step is preparing and filing the unfiled returns. This must be done carefully and strategically. Filing too many years at once without professional guidance can raise red flags or confuse the IRS’s recordkeeping.
As a licensed CPA, Donna Farrar Chamberlain reviews each client’s situation to determine:
- Which years are essential to file
- Whether certain penalties can be waived or reduced
- How to minimize the overall balance owed
In many cases, she can also identify deductions or credits that the IRS’s substitute return may have missed — often reducing what you owe significantly.
Dealing With Back Taxes or Balances Owed
Once your returns are filed, the IRS will confirm what you owe (if anything). If there’s a balance, several resolution options are available, depending on your finances:
- Installment Agreement: Make manageable monthly payments until your debt is cleared.
- Offer in Compromise: Settle your tax debt for less than you owe if you qualify based on income, assets, and expenses.
- Penalty Abatement: Request removal of certain penalties due to reasonable cause or first-time compliance.
- Currently Not Collectible Status: Temporarily stop IRS collections if you can’t afford payments right now.
Donna helps clients review all these options to find a solution that fits both their budget and long-term goals — not just a quick fix.
Why Professional Representation Matters
The IRS may seem intimidating, but you don’t have to face them alone. Having a CPA represent you means:
- You won’t have to speak directly with the IRS
- Your filings will be accurate and complete
- You’ll have an advocate who understands both tax law and IRS procedure
With nearly three decades of experience, Donna knows how to communicate effectively with IRS agents, prevent enforcement actions, and negotiate realistic outcomes for her clients.
Avoiding Future Problems
Once you’re caught up, staying compliant is key to avoiding future stress. Setting up good bookkeeping systems, paying estimated taxes, and consulting with a CPA annually can make all the difference.
Donna’s goal isn’t just to fix past problems — it’s to help you build lasting financial peace of mind through education, planning, and ongoing support.
Get REAL Tax Resolution™ in Arlington, Texas
If you haven’t filed taxes in years, you don’t have to face the IRS alone. With professional guidance and a clear plan, you can get caught up, reduce penalties, and move forward with confidence.
At DF Chamberlain Tax Debt Services, Donna Farrar Chamberlain, CPA, helps Texans find genuine, lasting relief through her personalized approach to IRS representation.
📞 Get REAL Tax Resolution™ today — schedule your confidential consultation with Donna Farrar Chamberlain, CPA, and take the first step toward peace of mind.
