I did not file tax returns for several years. The IRS has filed tax returns for me and they claim that I owe a lot of money. Can anything be done?

Yes. Unfiled returns is one of the most common mistakes that we see. When you don’t file tax returns, the IRS will file a “Substitute for Return” (SFR). The SFR will usually result in you owing much more than you should. Trying to file the old tax return through regular channels will probably not help you. The proper procedure is to file your tax return as an audit reconsideration through the SFR department of the IRS and request that your tax return replace the SFR filed by the IRS. Doing this properly may save you many thousands of dollars. It could resolve your debt completely. But, be careful, you usually have only one chance to have your tax return accepted in this manner.

Not filing tax returns is a criminal offense. Further, most solutions to your IRS problem are not available to you unless you have filed all of your tax returns.