| No! | | | | worrying, is to file an extension (if you're within a |
| If you're the average American taxpayer, | | | | month of the tax deadline). Extensions just need |
| statistics show that you're likely to miss a filing | | | | a good reason and while a late one isn't ideal it's a |
| deadline at some point in your life. This happens | | | | sign that you intend to pay those past tax |
| for a lot of reasons: work, vacation, or financial. | | | | returns in good faith. It might even keep your |
| But if it happens to you (and if it's happened this | | | | fees from starting--so do it! If you're past the |
| year) the first thing you need to do is stop | | | | deadline (especially if you're way past the deadline, |
| panicking. It's never too late to deal with past tax | | | | proceed onwards. |
| returns--you just have to do what you're doing! | | | | If you have your extension in place--or don't |
| So what do you do when you realize you have | | | | qualify for one--start your past tax returns right |
| some past tax returns? | | | | away. You will probably need to gather together |
| The first thing to do is to realize what isn't going | | | | all your relevant financial documents and make |
| to happen. You're not going to be arrested. This | | | | sure they are organized. If you don't feel capable |
| won't ruin your life. This may not even ruin your | | | | of handling the filing by yourself, an accountant |
| credit score! The fact is, because we're all likely to | | | | who specializes in past due taxes is a good idea. |
| forget it at some point, there's a great process in | | | | However, even better are the numerous online |
| place for when you forget to do past tax returns. | | | | services that file past tax returns for you. |
| Moreover, most people who have past tax | | | | They're cheaper than traditional accountants and |
| returns are owed a refund. So your worrying is | | | | much, much faster. |
| definitely not needed. The fact is, with most late | | | | Missing a tax deadline is a scary thing, but it's a |
| filers, they're in an income bracket that gets | | | | common thing. Just remember to breathe, that |
| plenty of money back. When you delay filing, you | | | | you'll probably be getting money back, and that |
| only delay getting back money owed to you. Not | | | | with the right service the whole process can be |
| smart. Best file as quick as possible. | | | | quick and painless. Good luck! |
| The first thing to do, once you've stopped | | | | |