Overwhelmed by back taxes? Get back on track with judgment-free, expert tax filing.

Yes, the IRS typically charges penalties and interest on unpaid taxes for each month the return is late. The most common are:

• Failure-to-file penalty: 5% of the unpaid taxes per month, up to a maximum of 25%.

• Failure-to-pay penalty: 0.5% of the unpaid taxes per month, also up to 25%.

The longer you wait, the more those penalties grow. However, if you file voluntarily before the IRS contacts you, you're more likely to qualify for penalty relief or abatement, especially if you have a history of compliance or a reasonable cause for the delay. We help clients file accurately and explore all options to reduce or eliminate penalties.

You're not alone—and it’s not too late to fix it. The IRS typically requires at least six years of back tax filings to bring your account into good standing. If you’re owed a refund, you can only claim it for the past three years, so acting quickly matters.

Failing to file for multiple years can lead to serious consequences—such as penalties, interest, loss of refunds, and in some cases, the IRS filing a Substitute for Return (SFR) on your behalf, which usually overstates what you owe.

The good news? We specialize in helping clients get caught up—efficiently and discreetly. We’ll gather your records, prepare accurate returns, and communicate directly with the IRS to help minimize penalties and negotiate the best possible outcome.

It depends on your financial situation. Through the IRS’s Offer in Compromise (OIC) program, taxpayers who can’t afford to pay their full tax debt may be able to settle for less than the total owed—sometimes significantly less.

There’s no fixed percentage the IRS will accept. Instead, they look at your income, expenses, assets, and ability to pay. If the IRS believes your offer represents the most they’re likely to collect within a reasonable time, they may accept it.

At Gordon Tax, we evaluate your eligibility and help you submit a strong, accurate offer. Even if you don’t qualify for an OIC, we can often help negotiate payment plans, penalty relief, or Currently Not Collectible (CNC) status.