Whether you’re behind on one year of tax filings or multiple years, deciding to catch up and take action is a great first step. If you get started and realize you don’t have all of the tax documents you need, don’t let that stop you. Even though filing your taxes is much easier when you have all of your documents on hand, you can absolutely still get caught up when you can’t find the paperwork you need.
The sooner you get started and reach out to a tax professional, the sooner you can file your taxes and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with getting caught up on unfiled tax returns.
Key Takeaways
- Lots of people can’t find their tax records. You are definitely not the only person to have faced this issue!
- You can use your IRS tax transcripts and other IRS tax records as a starting point for the forms you need.
- Working with a tax pro makes it easier to retrieve and request missing documents.
- Your tax professional can use these records to file missing tax returns and help you catch up.
You’re Not Alone—Lost Tax Documents Are a Common Issue
The sinking feeling you get when you realize you can’t find your W-2s, interest statements, or estimated payments receipts can feel like the end of the world. It’s very disheartening to finally decide to take care of your back taxes, only to hit roadblock after roadblock as you try to get your tax forms.
Some people assume that this is a dealbreaker and that there’s no way to file missing returns without original tax documents. That’s when it’s time to turn to an experienced tax professional. A tax pro can find or reconstruct your missing documents so you can file. Tax professionals are used to this situation and have a variety of techniques they can use to fill in the gaps.
The Role of Your Tax Transcripts and Records
Your tax transcripts, accessible through your IRS account, include a wide range of tools that can help you figure out what documents have been submitted to the IRS on your behalf, which notices the IRS has sent you, and which charges have been assessed to your account.
You can access most of these records by setting up an online account with the IRS and then downloading what you need. There are also IRS forms that allow you to request most documents through the mail. However, you don’t have to do this on your own.
When you sign Form 2848, that allows your tax professional to access your IRS records. These records include:
- Wage and income transcripts
- Notices
- Penalties
- Interest
- Which years are unfiled
How a Tax Pro Can Use Your Tax Records
Once your chosen tax professional has access to your tax records and has the chance to go over them in detail, they can start working on your tax returns, even if you don’t have documents to give them. Here’s a few of the ways they may help.
Reconstruct Missing Returns
By figuring out which years you haven’t filed and which documents have been submitted to the IRS on your behalf, your tax pro may be able to get an accurate estimate of how much you owe or are owed from each tax year.
Even if you don’t have official tax documents, you can often provide necessary forms and records that help your tax firm zero in on gaps in your forms. They may ask for bank records to track your income and expenses, any pay stub copies you may have, and business revenue records or expense logs if you own a business.
Reach Out to Third Parties
The list of tax forms submitted to the IRS can be extremely useful when trying to file old tax returns. The tax pro you hire can get in touch with the parties who submitted those forms to get copies of those forms. From there, you can move forward with filing your tax returns.
They may reach out to employers to get W-2s, clients to get 1099s, banks or brokers for 1099s, property tax and interest payment records from mortgage companies, and 1098s from student loan providers.
Yes, it may be a little more work to get caught up on your taxes if you don’t have your documents and records on hand, but it is worth the relief that comes with knowing that all of your tax returns are up-to-date.
Collecting Your Documents on Your Own
If you’d rather get some of your records on your own and you’re willing to make some phone calls, you can absolutely do so! For some taxpayers, having records on hand makes it easier and less stressful to ask for help from a tax professional. Then, when you call the pro, you have a lot of what you need ready to go. Getting your own records can also allow you to assess your situation and the type of help you might need.
Here’s how to request some of the most common tax forms:
- W-2 or 1099: You can reach out directly to your employer, client, or other reporting institution for a copy of your W-2 or 1099. Employers should keep tax records for at least four years from the date that the tax was due or paid, whichever is later.
- Tax transcript: You can sign up for an account at IRS.gov to access your tax transcript. After logging into your account, choose “Records and Status,” choose “Tax Records,” and access the records you need from there.
- Mortgage interest: Your mortgage lender can send you a copy of this form. You may be able to get it even more quickly by logging onto your online payment account and looking for past years’ interest forms.
- Past tax returns: If you filed with tax preparation software, a CPA, or a tax preparation service, they can provide you with copies of your past returns. You can also look on your IRS online account for filed returns.
- Bank statements: If you have online banking, check past statements for deductions and expenses that can be written off on your taxes. You can also request statements in person, but note that doing so often incurs a fee.
- Student loan statements: Your student loan provider keeps copies of interest documents for multiple years.
Situations Where a Tax Professional Can Help—Even Without Your Tax Documents
Tax professionals help with a wide range of tax problems and concerns. No matter how complicated or unsolvable you think your unfiled return situation is, you can bet that your tax professional has handled even more complex cases. Here are a few common situations tax resolution firms can help filers with:
| Situation | How a tax professional can help |
|---|---|
| Haven’t filed taxes in years | Figure out how far behind you are, reconstruct your income history with W-2s and 1099s filed with the IRS, and figure out potential deductions and credits |
| Lost refund documents | Pull your return transcript and help you claim your refund |
| Owe taxes but lack proof of income or deductions | Get a strong overview of your finances and tax situation with tax transcripts and bank documents, then use those documents to determine how much you actually owe |
| Going through audit but don’t have receipts | Provide guidance on defending yourself during an audit or build reasonable substantiation via receipts and other financial records |
| IRS has filed Substitute for Return that isn’t accurate | Use W-2s and 1099s filed with the IRS to calculate income; then, calculate deductions and credits so you can file a new tax return that is more accurate |
It’s tempting to wait until you have everything in order to start chipping away at your tax problems. But remember that every day your tax returns remain unfiled is another day that interest is accruing on your tax debt. The sooner you jump in, start gathering documents, and talk to a tax professional, the sooner you can find real solutions to your tax debt (or claim any refunds you are owed).
Don’t let embarrassment or shame stop you from getting the help you need. Tax professionals have seen it all, and we understand how easy it is to lose track of paperwork or get overwhelmed by tax requirements. We’re here to help you and make it easier for you to get caught up.
Find out how Seattle Legal Services can help you get back on track with your taxes, no matter how much or how little documentation you have. Even if you think you have nothing to work with, you’d be surprised how much we can get just from your IRS account and saved tax records. Give us a call at 425-428-5262 or contact us online now to take the first step.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I file my taxes if I don’t have my W-2 or 1099?
You will need your W-2s or 1099s to file, but getting them is likely easier than you expect. Employers, banks, and other people who issue 1099s keep these documents on hand for several years after the tax year they reference. You can typically just reach out to the person or company that initially provided the form for a new copy.
Will the IRS give me copies of the tax forms I need?
The IRS may have copies of some of the tax forms you need, but in most cases, you have to go to the party that initially filed the form with the IRS. When you work with a tax professional, they can get forms from both the IRS and from outside parties.
Can I get caught up even if I don’t have my documents?
Yes. Too many people give up entirely on the idea of catching up on their taxes just because they don’t have documents on hand. With a little time and help from a tax professional, you can get the documents you need and file your old returns.
Sources:
https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/how-long-should-i-keep-records
https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/recordkeeping
https://www.irs.gov/faqs/irs-procedures/copies-transcripts/transcript-or-copy-of-form-w-2
https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/filing-past-due-tax-returns