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Prior Year
& Amended Returns

Life gets complicated. Whether you missed a filing, received an IRS notice, or realized a prior return needs to be corrected, we help you catch up and get it right.

Last reviewed

Unfiled returns

Missing a filing creates a cascade of problems: penalties, interest, and a growing IRS balance that compounds over time. The sooner unfiled returns are addressed, the less costly they become. We assess the situation, determine the years that need to be filed, and prepare returns in the right sequence to minimize penalties and get you back into compliance as efficiently as possible.

Both federal and state returns may be required, and we handle filings in all states where you had income or a filing obligation.

IRS late-filing penalty rates

Failure to file (IRC §6651(a)(1))
1 month
5%
2 months
10%
3 months
15%
4 months
20%
5+ months
25% max
Failure to pay (IRC §6651(a)(2))
Per month
0.5%
Max
25%
Rates per IRC §6651. When both apply, the failure-to-file penalty is reduced by the failure-to-pay amount for the same month. Interest accrues separately at the federal short-term rate plus 3 percentage points. Educational illustration, not tax advice.fiduciary.tax

Amended returns (Form 1040-X)

If a prior return was filed incorrectly, whether misreported K-1 income, missed deductions, incorrectly calculated basis on an inherited asset, or retirement income handled the wrong way, an amended return corrects the record and may result in a refund. The general statute of limitations for claiming a refund on an amended return is three years from the original filing date.

IRS notices and correspondence

An IRS notice doesn't always mean you owe money; sometimes it's a discrepancy they want explained, a math error, or a proposed adjustment you can dispute. We review the notice, determine the appropriate response, and handle the IRS communication directly on your behalf.

Common situations we see

  • K-1 income from an estate or trust that wasn't reported correctly
  • Inherited property sold without correct stepped-up basis applied
  • Retirement distributions (RMDs, inherited IRAs) misreported
  • Prior years not filed due to illness, life transitions, or simply falling behind
  • Self-employment income or expenses handled incorrectly

What we need to get started

  • Copies of any prior returns that were filed
  • Any IRS or state notices received
  • Income documents for the year(s) in question
  • Any correspondence with the IRS or state tax authority

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