Late filing

Late filing of U.S. tax returns



Even if you have failed to file your tax return on time, including all applicable extensions of time to file, you can still do it.


However, you should do it as soon as possible in order to avoid increased penalties and interest for both not filing your tax return and not paying due taxes on time. In addition, filing too late may cause losing your refund and, if you are self-employed, credits for Social Security benefits.


A return claiming a refund must be filed within 3 years of its due date for a refund to be allowed. After that, the refund statute prevents the issuance of a refund check and the application of any credits to other tax years that are underpaid. The statute of limitations for the IRS to assess and collect any outstanding balances does not start until a return has been filed.



What can you do?

Streamlined Filing Compliance Procedures

Offshore voluntary disclosure incentive program (OVDI)