Legal Question in Tax Law in Illinois

Federal Tax Non-Filing

My father has not filed taxes since 1993, because he started working for a company that mainly deals with cash and no paystub. He does not make a substantial amount of money and is a legal resident of the U.S. not a citizen. My university is denying me my financial aid until they have his 2003 return. But if he files I am afraid of what might happen. Does anybody have any suggestions? I'm pretty sure if this could get straightened out I would get school payed for, otherwise, I might have to dropout. Need help soon.


Asked on 8/17/04, 4:05 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Cyndi Perez Trostin

Re: Federal Tax Non-Filing

I would suggest that your father discuss his tax situation with an accountant or a tax attorney who has experience dealing with non-filing situations.

Depending on how much your father made, how many dependents, etc., he might end up owing little tax, but you won't know until he talks to someone.

Does he have records from all the years?

Although he has been able to avoid an IRS inquiry into why he hasn't filed a tax return for over 10 years, it doesn't mean that the tax liabilty (if he owed one for any given year) goes away. If a tax return is not filed, the IRS has the right to go after the taxes owed at any time.

Please consult someone as soon as possible. If your father does owe taxes, there are options available that would help him pay over time, or compromise the debt.

Good luck to you.

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Answered on 8/18/04, 9:09 am


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