How to file back taxes?

[Roosha 51]

So, I haven't filed taxes ever since i moved overseas (seven years ago) stupid I know but now of course I need to file. I have to file for 2011, will file for 2012 in Feb and I didn't work in 2010 so that won't be a problem. My only problem is how do I file taxes for 2011? The max extension was 6 months and that deadline passed in October. I've been all over the IRS website and even taxAct but I can't seem to find a clear answer! Does anyone know where to go/what to do? Thanks!

[The Mean Lady 604]

So, I haven't filed taxes ever since i moved overseas (seven years ago) stupid I know but now of course I need to file. I have to file for 2011, will file for 2012 in Feb and I didn't work in 2010 so that won't be a problem. My only problem is how do I file taxes for 2011? The max extension was 6 months and that deadline passed in October. I've been all over the IRS website and even taxAct but I can't seem to find a clear answer! Does anyone know where to go/what to do? Thanks!

With my state taxes from 2010, I did them a year late.

I knew I was owed money, so I wasn't overly concerned.

I just filed them like normal.

I would presume you do the same thing.

Check here as I don't know your state-

http://www.irs.gov/uac/Where-To-File-Addresses-for-Tax-Professionals

Edit: Yup, says this, so file ASAP!

These Where to File addresses are to be used ONLY by TAXPAYERS AND TAX PROFESSIONALS filing individual federal tax returns in Illinois during Calendar Year 2012.

Edited November 27, 2012 by KDubovik

[Roosha 51]

I don't think I pay state taxes as I wasn't a resident in the states for years. I'm pretty sure I only need to do federal taxes. And I need to file foreign income exclusion so that's why I was hoping to be able to use a program that will walk me through the process as I have no idea what forms I'm supposed to use.

[The Mean Lady 604]

I don't think I pay state taxes as I wasn't a resident in the states for years. I'm pretty sure I only need to do federal taxes. And I need to file foreign income exclusion so that's why I was hoping to be able to use a program that will walk me through the process as I have no idea what forms I'm supposed to use.

Oh, yeah, sorry, can't help you there.

You can't use turbo tax online anymore.

[jessicaruizw 9]

turbo tax runs like $25, but if you need a previous year it can run up to about $45 i think. It´s super easy, and once you use it for one year, you can just copy the info from one worksheet and change it to another.

were you single in those years? if you have a pretty simple situation (just the tax exclusion) it´s not that hard to do by yourself.

[Darnell 8,478]

'the form' is 1040 from tax year 2011.

start with that.

as to 'how to file' - you could simply send it off via postal mail or courier to an IRS office in the USA, or find an IRS office close to you, use that postal address.

Don't worry about the extension, IMO, at all.

I filed 2010 taxes in November, 2011. Since we were due a refund, we got some interest paid to us also.

Edited November 27, 2012 by Darnell

[LucidSofia 59]

So, I haven't filed taxes ever since i moved overseas (seven years ago) stupid I know but now of course I need to file. I have to file for 2011, will file for 2012 in Feb and I didn't work in 2010 so that won't be a problem. My only problem is how do I file taxes for 2011? The max extension was 6 months and that deadline passed in October. I've been all over the IRS website and even taxAct but I can't seem to find a clear answer! Does anyone know where to go/what to do? Thanks!

Hey! Bumping up an old thread here.. Roosha, in the end how did you file your 2011 taxes? I am in the same situation, my husband has filed for 2012 online but he says you can't "file back taxes online", and that he has to go to the U.S to do it. So how did you do it?

[MGRD 5]

Hey! Bumping up an old thread here.. Roosha, in the end how did you file your 2011 taxes? I am in the same situation, my husband has filed for 2012 online but he says you can't "file back taxes online", and that he has to go to the U.S to do it. So how did you do it?

he doesn't have to come to the US to do it. Find an application online that will let you do 2011, then print it and mail it in.

[Roosha 51]

Got to taxact.com, pay to do your 2010 and 2011 taxes, 2012 is free. Print out everything and send it to the Austin address for overseas filers. Look at this link to get "streamlined" http://www.irs.gov/uac/Instructions-for-New-Streamlined-Filing-Compliance-Procedures-for-Non-Resident-Non-Filer-US-Taxpayers which supposedly processes your returns faster but I called in and they said it'll be 6-8 weeks, maybe longer since I sent in three years worth, but I think the operator I was talking to was an idiot There's a questionnaire you need to include along with your tax returns.

Anyway, good luck, let me know if you need more info!

[rickjames8 0]

So, I haven't filed taxes ever since i moved overseas (seven years ago) stupid I know but now of course I need to file. I have to file for 2011, will file for 2012 in Feb and I didn't work in 2010 so that won't be a problem. My only problem is how do I file taxes for 2011? The max extension was 6 months and that deadline passed in October. I've been all over the IRS website and even taxAct but I can't seem to find a clear answer! Does anyone know where to go/what to do? Thanks!

I was in the same situation. I went to the IRS website and downloaded the forms for 2010 and 2011, printed them, filled them out with zeros and posted them and kept copies for myself. I was told (by someone on this forum??) that it was legal to file up to 3 years prior without penalty, provided you don't owe anything. I think I then read that somewhere on the IRS website too.

-Rick

[LucidSofia 59]

Ok, great! Thank you Roosha and Rickjames for your answers

I see that to have it streamlined one must have resided outside the U.S since 2009, and that is not the case (my husband has resided in spain since 2011). You say that if you get it streamlined you can have the returns in 6-8 weeks?? And if I dont have it streamlined how long does it take??? The " return " is what we need for NVC right? My husband told me that you could see the return right away and print it out online :/ So now I´m worried that if my hubby doesn't get this done soon, we will end up delaying the process waiting for the returns (assuming I get approved fast).. is this correct?

Edited February 11, 2013 by LucidSofia

[LucidSofia 59]

Ok, what I mean is, do we need to wait to receive the tax returns, or is it enough to have the receipt that he filed the taxes?

[AshleyLCBaker 7]

I was in the same situation and needed to file four years' worth. I basically just filled out the 1040 and the 2555-EZ (since I'm eligible) and since I made less than $90,000ish and didn't spend too much time in the US, I basically just zeroed out my income on the 1040 and I don't pay/am not owed anything. I just filled it all out and paper clipped each year together and sent it to the Austin address.

As far as the transcripts or receipts for the I-864, it says you can also send photocopies of your returns, so I just copied all mine before I mailed them and that's what I'll send with the 864.

[LucidSofia 59]

I was in the same situation and needed to file four years' worth. I basically just filled out the 1040 and the 2555-EZ (since I'm eligible) and since I made less than $90,000ish and didn't spend too much time in the US, I basically just zeroed out my income on the 1040 and I don't pay/am not owed anything. I just filled it all out and paper clipped each year together and sent it to the Austin address.

As far as the transcripts or receipts for the I-864, it says you can also send photocopies of your returns, so I just copied all mine before I mailed them and that's what I'll send with the 864.

Ok, great, thanks! Guess I dont have to worry about getting my hubby started on it yet.

[Roosha 51]

um actually I would get started ASAP b/c you're going to need those transcripts from the IRS, and even if you just submit copies of your returns you can't submit them until IRS has finished processing them. Right now I'm hoping that the IRS will finish processing my returns by the time that I need them to submit for the AOS, as it is it looks like I might be held up waiting for them So I suggest getting those done and submitted asap so that they're ready.