Haven't Filed Taxes in Years

[choklit 1]

I'm retired military and haven't filed taxes since I retired, as my retirement is non-taxable from the VA. Wife has a GC and now wants to become a citizen. Will there be a problem since we haven't filed taxes? Should I request the non filing documents from the IRS?

 

It's a sticky situation as we are FULLY retired. Thanks in advance! 

[EatBulaga 315]

10 hours ago, choklit said:

I'm retired military and haven't filed taxes since I retired, as my retirement is non-taxable from the VA. Wife has a GC and now wants to become a citizen. Will there be a problem since we haven't filed taxes? Should I request the non filing documents from the IRS?

 

It's a sticky situation as we are FULLY retired. Thanks in advance! 

Not filing taxes is a crime, regardless if you are citizen or gc holder or retired or ex-military or you owe anything or not, etc.

 

I would download past forms and back file just to clear the record. You lose maybe two afternoons doing the paperwork. But since you are retired, you should have the time. Having a clear record moving forward with the government is never a bad thing.

Edited November 8 by EatBulaga

[DELTAFOXTROT 48]

On 11/8/2024 at 5:22 AM, EatBulaga said:

Not filing taxes is a crime, regardless if you are citizen or gc holder or retired or ex-military or you owe anything or not, etc.

 

I would download past forms and back file just to clear the record. You lose maybe two afternoons doing the paperwork. But since you are retired, you should have the time. Having a clear record moving forward with the government is never a bad thing.

Are you a CPA or Tax Attorney?

 

I would have OP check with either and get information from them, not some random internet reply.

[choklit 1]

I found out that I do not have to file, due to my "income" being non-taxable. I have downloaded the last 3 years of my non-filing IRS forms, though, just in case. I know there's a box to check on the naturalization form about filing taxes. 

[MJ&YY 131]

On 11/8/2024 at 6:22 AM, EatBulaga said:

Not filing taxes is a crime, regardless if you are citizen or gc holder or retired or ex-military or you owe anything or not, etc.

If that were true, that would make this page irrelevant:https://www.irs.gov/individuals/check-if-you-need-to-file-a-tax-return

[CVN Dallas 4]

You are not required to file federal income until your gross income past filling thresholds by filling status.  non-taxablle income is not include in your gross income for the filling purpose.  These thresholds changed every year due to inflation. Here are example of thresholds for Married filling jointly:  2022: $25,900  -- 2023:   $27,700  -- 2024:   $29,200.

 

Failure to file income tax (when required) is not a crime, the IRS will assess failure to file penalty and interest.  However, if and when IRS sucessfully proof in Tax Court that an individual has committed an tax evasion scheme, only then you can be convicted for Tax-avoidance crime.

[choklit 1]

On 11/18/2024 at 8:53 PM, CVN Dallas said:

You are not required to file federal income until your gross income past filling thresholds by filling status.  non-taxablle income is not include in your gross income for the filling purpose.  These thresholds changed every year due to inflation. Here are example of thresholds for Married filling jointly:  2022: $25,900  -- 2023:   $27,700  -- 2024:   $29,200.

This week I went to a tax preparer and this is exactly what I was told. I was advised to file, even if not paying any taxes, for situations like this and to have a paper trail.