8 mistakes that can lead to an IRS audit 7:57
(CNN Spanish) --
If your tax return in the United States is due, it is important that you still file it to avoid losing benefits.
We explain how to do it and where to ask for help in case of doubt.
The due tax return is filed in the same way (and in the same location) in which you would file a return made on time, explains the Internal Revenue Service of the United States (IRS, for its acronym in English).
Here we explain the step by step, with the necessary links and documents.
Loss of potential benefits
If you don't file, you risk losing any refunds you're due, because the IRS can hold them until the due return is received or until it's clear why you're not due to file.
(Whether you are entitled to a refund for taxes withheld, or if you are entitled to claim tax credits, you must file those claims within three years from the date the return is due.)
What are the states of the USA in which the most and least taxes are paid?
If you didn't file your taxes and apply for a loan, your approval may be delayed.
When you want to buy or refinance a home, ask for help with higher education or a business loan, for example, you must give a copy of the declaration to the institution involved.
In addition, filing the declaration, even if it is due, protects your Social Security benefits: if you work on your own and you do not do it, the income you have obtained is not reported to the Social Security Administration and therefore is not credited towards Social Security retirement or if you are entitled to disability benefits.
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In general terms, in addition, filing the tax return due and paying as soon as possible limits possible penalties or interest.
substitute statement
If you don't file, the IRS may file a "substitute return" for you that could, the agency explains, not give you credits or deductions for which you qualify.
In that case, the agency will send you a notice proposing a tax increase and give you 90 days to file the expired return or an application in tax court.
If you don't, additional taxes will be imposed, the agency warns.
The substitute IRS return, if you don't file yours due, "will become a tax bill" which, if you don't pay, can lead to actions such as garnishment on your wages or bank account.
If in this context you do not file the declaration, you could be "subject to forced collection measures, including fines and criminal charges".
If you have already filed your due return and receive a notice, you should send a copy to the IRS at the address on that notice since it generally takes about six weeks for a due return to be processed.
Help to file the expired return
If you need help filing your expired return, you can call 1-800-829-1040 or 1-800-829-4059.
If what you need is information about wages and income to submit them, you can complete this form (in English) and check box 8 or ask your employer or whoever paid you for the information.
Here, meanwhile, you can request information on the declaration of a previous year.
Tax return
