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What happens if you don’t files or pay your taxes?

People neglect to file tax returns for a number of reasons, including but not limited to a lack of money or time, anti-government feelings, medical issues, and business problems.

While you may have a very good reason for not filing, this probably isn’t good enough as far as the IRS is concerned. You have the right to request an extension, but this doesn’t mean you can put off the filing process forever.

No matter who you are, if you neglect to file and/or pay your taxes here are a few things to remember:

— Knowingly failing to file a tax return is considered a violation of the law.

–The IRS does not prosecute people who make a simple mistake.

— If you cooperate with the IRS and its investigation, you are less likely to be prosecuted.

— If you earn money through illegal means, the IRS is more likely to prosecute you.

— The IRS does not need to prove the exact amount that you owe in order to convict you of a tax crime.

— The IRS has the right to collect back taxes, along with penalties and interest.

The best way to avoid trouble with the IRS is to pay your taxes in full and on time. If you owe money along with your final return, remit payment as soon as possible.

When you put this off, when you try to avoid the IRS, it may make things worse on you. Knowing what will happen if you don’t file or pay may be enough to scare you into doing so as outlined by the law.

Source: FindLaw, “What to Expect If You Don’t Pay Your Taxes,” accessed May 02, 2016

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