I Haven't Filed in Years. Now What?
Multiple years of unfiled returns feels overwhelming. But the path back to compliance is simpler than you think.
The IRS typically requires the last six years of returns to be filed before they will negotiate any resolution. Not all years ever. Just six. That's the starting point.
When you don't file, the IRS may file a Substitute for Return for you. They use only the income reported by third parties, give you zero deductions and zero credits, and use the most unfavorable filing status. The resulting balance is almost always much higher than what you'd actually owe.
Filing your own returns replaces the SFRs and typically reduces the balance dramatically. You won't get refunds for returns more than three years late, but reducing the assessed balance is worth far more.
If you have multiple years of unfiled returns, especially with significant income, consider working with an attorney. Willful failure to file is technically a crime, and an attorney can manage the compliance process under attorney-client privilege.