{"id":354035,"date":"2016-04-04T10:48:06","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:48:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/tax\/tax-problems-audits\/what-to-expect-if-you-don-t-pay-your-taxes.html"},"modified":"2026-07-16T15:55:37","modified_gmt":"2026-07-16T20:55:37","slug":"what-to-expect-if-you-don-t-pay-your-taxes","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/tax\/tax-problems-audits\/what-to-expect-if-you-don-t-pay-your-taxes.html","title":{"rendered":"Didn’t Pay Your Taxes? A Guide to Penalties, Liens, and Your Legal Options"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Didn't Pay Your Taxes? A Guide to Penalties, Liens, and Your Legal Options<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Catherine Hodder, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

Taxpayers<\/span> who do not file taxes<\/span> or miss payment deadlines may be liable for penalties, interest, and the IRS<\/span> filing substitute returns. More severe consequences are tax liens, wage garnishment, or criminal charges for tax evasion<\/span>. A tax attorney may help with installment agreements<\/span> or offers in compromise.<\/span><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Each taxpayer<\/span>\u2019s situation is different, and some people don\u2019t file <\/span>tax<\/span> returns<\/span> for various reasons. The problem for these non-filers is that the Internal Revenue Service<\/span> expects every taxpayer<\/span> who earns above a minimum amount to file a federal income <\/span>tax<\/span> return<\/span><\/a> by April 15 each year.<\/p>\n

It may take a while for the IRS<\/span> to notice that you didn\u2019t file your return by Tax Day<\/span>, but the government is getting better at tracking down non-filers. Once it realizes that it\u2019s missing your tax return<\/span>, you must be prepared to resolve the issue<\/a> or face costly fees and penalties. In some cases, you may even face criminal charges.<\/p>\n

This article explains what to do if you didn\u2019t file your taxes on time or failed to pay your tax bill<\/span> by the due date<\/span>. It also shows what to do if the government decides to file criminal charges<\/a> against you for tax evasion<\/span> or tax fraud<\/span>.<\/p>\n

Tax issues can quickly spiral downward. If you\u2019re dealing with a tax issue and aren\u2019t sure what to do, consider speaking with a local tax attorney<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Owing the IRS<\/span> Money Is Cause for Concern<\/h2>\n

If you owe money to the IRS<\/span>, you should definitely be wary. The same is true if you don\u2019t file your taxes<\/a> on time. It\u2019s one thing to be a few days or weeks late in filing your taxes, but quite another to have failed to file taxes<\/span> for two or three years.<\/p>\n

If you don\u2019t file your taxes, you\u2019ll face serious consequences. Not only will you have to pay interest and penalties on any back taxes<\/span> you owe, but you may also have to pay failure-to-file penalties<\/span><\/a>. These fees and penalties accrue interest at a rate that\u2019s probably higher than you may think. By the time all is said and done, you will end up paying a lot more than you originally owed.<\/p>\n

Depending on the facts of your case, the government may file criminal charges<\/a> against you. This can lead to up to a year in jail for each return you did not file on time.<\/p>\n

The good news is that there are options for resolving both past due taxes<\/a> and unfiled tax returns<\/span>, which we\u2019ll do our best to explain. To ensure that you take advantage of all the available options, reach out to an experienced tax attorney<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Determine the Best Path for Your Situation<\/h2>\n

When you meet with your tax attorney, they\u2019ll need to know all the details of your tax issue. Do you owe money for back taxes<\/span>, or has it been years since you filed a tax return<\/span><\/a>? Your current predicament will determine how best to proceed. It will also help your lawyer identify the solutions available to you. Let\u2019s take a look at two possibilities:<\/p>\n