{"id":33442,"date":"2018-01-23T16:12:30","date_gmt":"2018-01-23T22:12:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hrblock.com\/tax-center\/?p=33442"},"modified":"2022-08-10T11:46:34","modified_gmt":"2022-08-10T16:46:34","slug":"years-since-filed-tax-return-start-filing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hrblock.com\/tax-center\/irs\/audits-and-tax-notices\/years-since-filed-tax-return-start-filing\/","title":{"rendered":"It&#8217;s Been A Few Years Since I Filed A Tax Return. Should I Start Filing Again?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Every year, millions of people ask themselves these questions.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\u201cIf I missed filing a tax return, am I better off just not filing ever again? Maybe the IRS won\u2019t notice.\u201d<\/li>\n<li>\u201cWhat will happen if I start filing again?\u201d<\/li>\n<li>\u201cWhy should I file again? Is the problem just getting worse while I ignore it?\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Let\u2019s break down the reality of the situation when you have unfiled back tax returns \u2013 and exactly what to do about it to avoid potential issues related to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hrblock.com\/tax-center\/irs\/tax-responsibilities\/prision-for-tax-evasion\/\">tax evasion<\/a> &#8212; a serious issue.<\/p>\n<h2>Three consequences of unfiled returns<\/h2>\n<p>When evaluating the costs of not filing your return, know these facts:<\/p>\n<h3>1. It\u2019s illegal.<\/h3>\n<p>The law requires you to file every year that you have a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hrblock.com\/tax-center\/filing\/filing-requirements\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">filing requirement<\/a>. The government can hit you with civil and even criminal penalties for failing to file your return.<\/p>\n<h3>2. Prepare to pay extra if you owe taxes.<\/h3>\n<p>The penalty for filing late is 5% of the taxes you owe per month for the first five months \u2013 up to 25% of your tax bill. The IRS will also charge you interest until you pay off the balance.<\/p>\n<h3>3. You can lose your refund.<\/h3>\n<p>If you were supposed to get a refund with the late return, you could lose the refund depending on how late you file. To get your refund, you have to file the return within three years of the due date.<\/p>\n<p>Good news: There\u2019s no penalty on a return with a refund (or zero tax balance), so don\u2019t delay if you want that refund!<\/p>\n<h2>What to expect when you start filing again<\/h2>\n<p>Remember, the law says you must file all required tax returns. If you haven\u2019t met that obligation, you should get back into good standing with the IRS. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hrblock.com\/tax-center\/irs\/audits-and-tax-notices\/unfiled-tax-return\/\">Learn how to file back tax returns with the IRS.<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Here\u2019s more about what happens when you file back tax returns.<\/p>\n<h3>You could be audited \u2013 not because your return is late, but because the IRS thinks the return has errors<\/h3>\n<p>The IRS will evaluate any back tax return you file in basically the same way it evaluates all returns.<\/p>\n<p>The average return won\u2019t dramatically increase your audit chances, especially if you earn Form W-2 wages and don\u2019t have a complicated tax situation. In some cases, though, the IRS could select a back tax return for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hrblock.com\/tax-center\/irs\/audits-and-tax-notices\/tax-dictionary-irs-tax-audit\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">audit<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>For example, let\u2019s say you haven\u2019t filed for three or four years and you suddenly file a return with several hundred thousand dollars of self-employment income. This would raise red flags for the IRS compared to other years \u2013 and the IRS would likely open an audit.<\/p>\n<p>Your chances of being audited go up even higher if you file the return, but leave off income that has been reported to the IRS, such as Form W-2 or 1099 income. That makes it even more important to thoroughly and completely prepare back tax returns.<\/p>\n<p>For most people, the further back in time you go, the less reliable your records are. If this is the case for you, don\u2019t worry. There\u2019s something you can do about it. You or an authorized tax professional acting on your behalf can <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hrblock.com\/tax-center\/irs\/audits-and-tax-notices\/research-irs-account\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">research your account at the IRS<\/a>. Your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hrblock.com\/tax-center\/irs\/audits-and-tax-notices\/tax-dictionary-irs-transcript\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">IRS transcripts<\/a> will help you uncover and report all the income that\u2019s been reported to the IRS.<\/p>\n<p>In the unlikely event that the IRS selects your return for audit, the IRS auditor will require you to file all your back tax returns. Those returns will almost certainly be included in the audit.<\/p>\n<p>But keep in mind, the overall audit rate is low. It\u2019s in your best interest to file right away to minimize other problems like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hrblock.com\/tax-center\/irs\/audits-and-tax-notices\/irs-penalties\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">penalties<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hrblock.com\/tax-center\/irs\/audits-and-tax-notices\/three-ways-remove-irs-interest-tax-bill\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">interest<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3>You\u2019ll get your refund if there aren\u2019t any issues<\/h3>\n<p>If you file your back tax return within three years of the return due date, the IRS will generally send your refund if you\u2019re supposed to get one.<\/p>\n<p>That\u2019s assuming there\u2019s no cause for the IRS <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hrblock.com\/tax-center\/irs\/refunds-and-payments\/why-is-my-tax-refund-delayed\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">to hold or take your refund<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>If the IRS has already started a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hrblock.com\/tax-center\/irs\/audits-and-tax-notices\/delinquent-return-program\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">delinquent return investigation<\/a> or inquiry on one or more of those years, the IRS will hold your current-year refund until you file the back tax returns or the IRS finishes its investigation. Delinquent return investigations can end with the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hrblock.com\/tax-center\/irs\/audits-and-tax-notices\/tax-dictionary-substitute-return-sfr\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">IRS filing a return for you<\/a>. (This is not a good thing.)<\/p>\n<p>If you have issues like this, the IRS can freeze your refund or apply your current-year refund to any tax bill you owe \u2013 just like the IRS would for any taxpayer who owed back taxes.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hrblock.com\/tax-center\/irs\/audits-and-tax-notices\/bill-for-unpaid-taxes\/\">Learn what to do if you can\u2019t pay your taxes.<\/a><\/p>\n<h3>If you owe and can\u2019t pay, the IRS will work with you<\/h3>\n<p>If you file a return and owe taxes, it\u2019s always best to pay by the due date of the return to minimize penalties and avoid interest.<\/p>\n<p>But in some cases, that\u2019s just not possible.<\/p>\n<p>If you haven\u2019t filed all your required returns, you won\u2019t have many options until you file them all. Delaying or not filing at all is a bad strategy. The IRS charges (or, \u201cassesses\u201d) a steep <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hrblock.com\/tax-center\/irs\/audits-and-tax-notices\/tax-dictionary-failure-file-penalty\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">penalty for filing late<\/a>. Add that to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hrblock.com\/tax-center\/irs\/audits-and-tax-notices\/tax-dictionary-failure-pay-penalty\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">penalty for paying late<\/a>, and you\u2019re adding as much as 25% to your tax bill.<\/p>\n<p>But if you file the returns and get into a payment agreement with the IRS (like a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hrblock.com\/tax-center\/irs\/audits-and-tax-notices\/tax-dictionary-installment-agreement\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">monthly payment plan<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hrblock.com\/tax-center\/irs\/audits-and-tax-notices\/what-if-i-cant-pay-taxes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">other arrangement<\/a>), you\u2019ll get reduced penalties. You may even qualify for certain <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hrblock.com\/tax-center\/irs\/audits-and-tax-notices\/four-types-penalty-relief-know-whats-best\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">forms of penalty abatement<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>The bottom line:<\/strong> It\u2019s best to address tax problems sooner rather than later. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hrblock.com\/tax-center\/irs\/audits-and-tax-notices\/unfiled-tax-return\/\">Learn about unfiled tax returns.<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Check out <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hrblock.com\/tax-offices\/extended-tax-services\/tax-audit\/audit-support.html\">H&amp;R Block Tax Audit &amp; Notice Services<\/a> to find a local tax professional who can navigate the IRS for you. Your tax pro can prepare and file accurate back tax returns, set up a payment agreement with the IRS for you, and resolve any other issues related to your late returns. Or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hrblock.com\/tax-offices\/extended-tax-services\/tax-audit\/audit-support.html\">get help from a trusted IRS expert<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Every year, millions of people ask themselves these questions. \u201cIf I missed filing a tax return, am I better off just not filing ever again? Maybe the IRS won\u2019t notice.\u201d \u201cWhat will happen if I start filing again?\u201d \u201cWhy should I file again? Is the problem just getting worse while I ignore it?\u201d Let\u2019s break [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":605,"featured_media":28838,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[25,51],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-33442","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-irs","category-audits-and-tax-notices"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<title>It&#039;s Been A Few Years Since I Filed A Tax Return. Should I Start Filing Again? | H&amp;R Block<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"If you haven&#039;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.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hrblock.com\/tax-center\/irs\/audits-and-tax-notices\/years-since-filed-tax-return-start-filing\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"It&#039;s Been A Few Years Since I Filed A Tax Return. Should I Start Filing Again?\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"If you haven&#039;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.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.hrblock.com\/tax-center\/irs\/audits-and-tax-notices\/years-since-filed-tax-return-start-filing\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"H&amp;R Block\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/hrblock\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2018-01-23T22:12:30+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2022-08-10T16:46:34+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.hrblock.com\/tax-center\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/shutterstock_306240281-1080x675.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1080\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"675\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Elyce Luegers\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@hrblock\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@hrblock\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Elyce Luegers\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"5 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/resource-center.hrblock.com\\\/irs\\\/audits-and-tax-notices\\\/years-since-filed-tax-return-start-filing\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/resource-center.hrblock.com\\\/irs\\\/audits-and-tax-notices\\\/years-since-filed-tax-return-start-filing\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Elyce Luegers\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/resource-center.hrblock.com\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/91512e91ae00a37478a4f91b90022449\"},\"headline\":\"It&#8217;s Been A Few Years Since I Filed A Tax Return. Should I Start Filing Again?\",\"datePublished\":\"2018-01-23T22:12:30+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2022-08-10T16:46:34+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/resource-center.hrblock.com\\\/irs\\\/audits-and-tax-notices\\\/years-since-filed-tax-return-start-filing\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":1022,\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/resource-center.hrblock.com\\\/irs\\\/audits-and-tax-notices\\\/years-since-filed-tax-return-start-filing\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/resource-center.hrblock.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2016\\\/10\\\/shutterstock_306240281.jpg\",\"articleSection\":[\"IRS\",\"Audits and tax notices\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/resource-center.hrblock.com\\\/irs\\\/audits-and-tax-notices\\\/years-since-filed-tax-return-start-filing\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/resource-center.hrblock.com\\\/irs\\\/audits-and-tax-notices\\\/years-since-filed-tax-return-start-filing\\\/\",\"name\":\"It's Been A Few Years Since I Filed A Tax Return. Should I Start Filing Again? | H&R Block\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/resource-center.hrblock.com\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/resource-center.hrblock.com\\\/irs\\\/audits-and-tax-notices\\\/years-since-filed-tax-return-start-filing\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/resource-center.hrblock.com\\\/irs\\\/audits-and-tax-notices\\\/years-since-filed-tax-return-start-filing\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/resource-center.hrblock.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2016\\\/10\\\/shutterstock_306240281.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2018-01-23T22:12:30+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2022-08-10T16:46:34+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/resource-center.hrblock.com\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/91512e91ae00a37478a4f91b90022449\"},\"description\":\"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.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/resource-center.hrblock.com\\\/irs\\\/audits-and-tax-notices\\\/years-since-filed-tax-return-start-filing\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/resource-center.hrblock.com\\\/irs\\\/audits-and-tax-notices\\\/years-since-filed-tax-return-start-filing\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/resource-center.hrblock.com\\\/irs\\\/audits-and-tax-notices\\\/years-since-filed-tax-return-start-filing\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/resource-center.hrblock.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2016\\\/10\\\/shutterstock_306240281.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/resource-center.hrblock.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2016\\\/10\\\/shutterstock_306240281.jpg\",\"width\":5760,\"height\":3840},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/resource-center.hrblock.com\\\/irs\\\/audits-and-tax-notices\\\/years-since-filed-tax-return-start-filing\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/resource-center.hrblock.com\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"It&#8217;s Been A Few Years Since I Filed A Tax Return. Should I Start Filing Again?\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/resource-center.hrblock.com\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/resource-center.hrblock.com\\\/\",\"name\":\"H&amp;R Block\",\"description\":\"\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/resource-center.hrblock.com\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/resource-center.hrblock.com\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/91512e91ae00a37478a4f91b90022449\",\"name\":\"Elyce Luegers\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/f00afad2c139e11049696685997b274ab85ac39af90c8f8bc5497183b023f35c?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/f00afad2c139e11049696685997b274ab85ac39af90c8f8bc5497183b023f35c?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/f00afad2c139e11049696685997b274ab85ac39af90c8f8bc5497183b023f35c?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"Elyce Luegers\"}}]}<\/script>","yoast_head_json":{"title":"It's Been A Few Years Since I Filed A Tax Return. Should I Start Filing Again? | H&R Block","description":"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.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.hrblock.com\/tax-center\/irs\/audits-and-tax-notices\/years-since-filed-tax-return-start-filing\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"It's Been A Few Years Since I Filed A Tax Return. Should I Start Filing Again?","og_description":"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.","og_url":"https:\/\/www.hrblock.com\/tax-center\/irs\/audits-and-tax-notices\/years-since-filed-tax-return-start-filing\/","og_site_name":"H&amp;R Block","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/hrblock","article_published_time":"2018-01-23T22:12:30+00:00","article_modified_time":"2022-08-10T16:46:34+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1080,"height":675,"url":"https:\/\/www.hrblock.com\/tax-center\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/shutterstock_306240281-1080x675.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Elyce Luegers","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@hrblock","twitter_site":"@hrblock","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Elyce Luegers","Est. reading time":"5 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/www.hrblock.com\/tax-center\/irs\/audits-and-tax-notices\/years-since-filed-tax-return-start-filing\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.hrblock.com\/tax-center\/irs\/audits-and-tax-notices\/years-since-filed-tax-return-start-filing\/"},"author":{"name":"Elyce Luegers","@id":"https:\/\/www.hrblock.com\/tax-center\/#\/schema\/person\/91512e91ae00a37478a4f91b90022449"},"headline":"It&#8217;s Been A Few Years Since I Filed A Tax Return. Should I Start Filing Again?","datePublished":"2018-01-23T22:12:30+00:00","dateModified":"2022-08-10T16:46:34+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.hrblock.com\/tax-center\/irs\/audits-and-tax-notices\/years-since-filed-tax-return-start-filing\/"},"wordCount":1022,"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.hrblock.com\/tax-center\/irs\/audits-and-tax-notices\/years-since-filed-tax-return-start-filing\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.hrblock.com\/tax-center\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/shutterstock_306240281.jpg","articleSection":["IRS","Audits and tax notices"],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.hrblock.com\/tax-center\/irs\/audits-and-tax-notices\/years-since-filed-tax-return-start-filing\/","url":"https:\/\/www.hrblock.com\/tax-center\/irs\/audits-and-tax-notices\/years-since-filed-tax-return-start-filing\/","name":"It's Been A Few Years Since I Filed A Tax Return. Should I Start Filing Again? | H&R Block","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.hrblock.com\/tax-center\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.hrblock.com\/tax-center\/irs\/audits-and-tax-notices\/years-since-filed-tax-return-start-filing\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.hrblock.com\/tax-center\/irs\/audits-and-tax-notices\/years-since-filed-tax-return-start-filing\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.hrblock.com\/tax-center\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/shutterstock_306240281.jpg","datePublished":"2018-01-23T22:12:30+00:00","dateModified":"2022-08-10T16:46:34+00:00","author":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.hrblock.com\/tax-center\/#\/schema\/person\/91512e91ae00a37478a4f91b90022449"},"description":"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.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.hrblock.com\/tax-center\/irs\/audits-and-tax-notices\/years-since-filed-tax-return-start-filing\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.hrblock.com\/tax-center\/irs\/audits-and-tax-notices\/years-since-filed-tax-return-start-filing\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.hrblock.com\/tax-center\/irs\/audits-and-tax-notices\/years-since-filed-tax-return-start-filing\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/www.hrblock.com\/tax-center\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/shutterstock_306240281.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.hrblock.com\/tax-center\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/shutterstock_306240281.jpg","width":5760,"height":3840},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.hrblock.com\/tax-center\/irs\/audits-and-tax-notices\/years-since-filed-tax-return-start-filing\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.hrblock.com\/tax-center\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"It&#8217;s Been A Few Years Since I Filed A Tax Return. Should I Start Filing Again?"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.hrblock.com\/tax-center\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.hrblock.com\/tax-center\/","name":"H&amp;R Block","description":"","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.hrblock.com\/tax-center\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.hrblock.com\/tax-center\/#\/schema\/person\/91512e91ae00a37478a4f91b90022449","name":"Elyce Luegers","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/f00afad2c139e11049696685997b274ab85ac39af90c8f8bc5497183b023f35c?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/f00afad2c139e11049696685997b274ab85ac39af90c8f8bc5497183b023f35c?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/f00afad2c139e11049696685997b274ab85ac39af90c8f8bc5497183b023f35c?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"Elyce Luegers"}}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.hrblock.com\/tax-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33442","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.hrblock.com\/tax-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.hrblock.com\/tax-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hrblock.com\/tax-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/605"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hrblock.com\/tax-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=33442"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.hrblock.com\/tax-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33442\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hrblock.com\/tax-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/28838"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.hrblock.com\/tax-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=33442"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hrblock.com\/tax-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=33442"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hrblock.com\/tax-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=33442"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}