Chicago, IL Back Taxes & Multi-Year Unfiled Tax Returns Services
Get back in compliance, reduce stress and move forward with confidence. Whether you missed one year or several, we file what’s missing with the IRS and Illinois. No judgment, just solutions.
Does any of this sound familiar?
- You haven’t filed in one or more years
- You received an IRS or Illinois letter
- The IRS filed a return for you (SFR)
- Your records are lost or incomplete
- You owe a balance you can’t pay at once
- Your business returns or payroll filings are behind
Certified on the platforms our clients use
Behind on your taxes? There is a clear way back.
Life happens. A job change, a loss in the family, a business that grew faster than the paperwork. Before long, one unfiled year becomes three, and the letters start arriving.
Heard & Associates helps Chicago individuals and business owners file prior-year tax returns, settle back taxes and get fully compliant with the IRS and the Illinois Department of Revenue.
We handle the process privately and in the right order, so you know exactly where you stand and what comes next.
Back taxes and unfiled return services
Whatever got you behind, we cover every part of getting caught up.
Back Tax Filing
Filed but did not pay in full? We review your balance, correct any errors, calculate penalties and interest accurately and build a plan to resolve what you owe.
IRS representation →Prior-Year Tax Filing
Missed one or more years? We file late returns, reconstruct income and expenses when records are missing and claim deductions and credits you are still owed.
Individual returns →Multi-Year Unfiled Returns
Several years behind? We file in the right order, replace any IRS substitute returns with accurate ones and coordinate every federal and Illinois filing.
Illinois state tax filing →IRS Notices & Penalties
Holding a letter? We review IRS and Illinois correspondence, prepare the required filings, request penalty relief where it applies and handle communication for you.
Notice help →Unfiled Business Returns
S corp, partnership or payroll filings behind? We catch up business returns and quarterly payroll reports, and clean up the books behind them.
Business tax preparation →Payment Plans & Resolution
Owe more than you can pay at once? Once you are filed, we help you set up an installment agreement or explore other resolution options.
Talk to us →How we get you caught up
A clear, five-step path from the first call to full compliance.
Confidential call
We learn which years are open, what letters you have and what you’re worried about.
Pull your records
We request IRS wage and income transcripts to see what the IRS already has on file.
Rebuild missing years
We reconstruct income and expenses from transcripts, bank records and statements.
File in the right order
Federal and Illinois returns are prepared, reviewed with you and filed.
Resolve and stay current
We address any balance, set up a plan if needed and keep you on track going forward.
What happens when tax returns go unfiled
Penalties and interest keep growing every month a return is late. If you do not file, the IRS can prepare a substitute return for you, which may not include deductions and credits you are entitled to.
Unresolved balances can lead to notices, liens, bank levies and wage garnishments. If you are owed a refund, the clock is also running: refunds must be claimed within three years of the return’s due date.
How to choose the right help for unfiled taxes
These are the qualities that matter most when you are trusting someone with years of missing returns, and how we measure up.
Experience
Customer service
Reputation
Availability
Trust
What to gather before your consultation
Bring whatever you have. Missing pieces are normal, and we can fill most gaps for you.
- W-2s and 1099s for the missing years
- Any IRS or Illinois letters you received
- Your last filed tax return
- Bank and card statements
- Business income and expense records
- Mortgage, tuition and childcare statements
Missing records? That’s okay.
We request your IRS wage and income transcripts, which show the W-2s, 1099s and other forms reported under your Social Security number.
From there, we rebuild income and expenses using bank statements and other records so each year can be filed accurately.
Start with a consultation →Rated 5.0 by 100+ clients on Google
Clients describe a team that is patient, responsive and easy to work with, especially when things feel overwhelming.
Unfiled tax return questions
Every situation is different. Call (312) 810-3603 for a confidential conversation about yours.
Book a consultation →How many years of unfiled tax returns do I need to file?
The IRS generally expects the last six years of returns to be filed for you to be considered in good standing, though your situation may differ. We review your IRS transcripts and letters to confirm exactly which years need to be filed.
Will I get in trouble for not filing taxes?
Most people who come forward and file are able to resolve the issue through civil penalties, interest and a payment plan if needed. Filing before the IRS contacts you, or responding promptly once it does, gives you the most options.
Can I still get a refund for past years?
Possibly. Refunds must be claimed within three years of the original due date of the return. After that, the refund is lost, which is why it helps to file the most recent years quickly.
What if I don’t have my tax records?
That is common. We request your IRS wage and income transcripts and use bank statements and other records to reconstruct income and expenses for each missing year.
What is a substitute for return?
If you do not file, the IRS may prepare a substitute return using the income reported to it. It usually leaves out deductions and credits, so the balance is often higher than it should be. Filing an accurate original return typically replaces it.
What if I owe and can’t pay it all at once?
Once your returns are filed, we can help you set up an installment agreement or explore other resolution options based on what you can realistically afford.
Do you file Illinois returns too?
Yes. We prepare and file the missing Illinois returns alongside your federal returns, so you are compliant with both the IRS and the Illinois Department of Revenue.
How quickly can you help?
Book a consultation or call (312) 810-3603 and we will review your situation, confirm which years are open and give you a clear timeline before any work begins.
Ready to get caught up?
Book a confidential consultation and we’ll show you exactly which years need to be filed and what comes next.