Substitute for return (SFR) notification?

SteveMobiley · #1 (**permalink**) 02-21-2018, 07:38 PM

Hello All,

I find myself in an unfortunate circumstance generally of my own creation.

In the middle of financial & marriage troubles I failed to file a tax return. I had no reported income that year. The following year I was out of the country and, again, had no reported income.

I returned and went back to work but made little enough that I fell below the income level requiring filing. Then I heard some horror stories about the IRS cracking down on "non-filers". I became afraid to file.

Since then I have made sure that I have enough deducted from paychecks to meet my tax obligation but I have not filed.

I have never received a notification from the IRS that they have filed an SFR on my behalf.

My question: Do they normally notify you if they file an SFR? If I have not received notification does that indicate that they have not filed one?

I am working on a plan to get back in their good graces but I want to be as well informed as I can be before I contact them.

I would like to hire a professional to assist but cannot currently afford it. I have been out of work for two years due to health issues. I am hoping to return to work sometime this year.

Any information or suggestions would be appreciated.

Steve

Wnhough · #2 (**permalink**) 02-21-2018, 11:50 PM

My question: Do they normally notify you if they file an SFR?===========>It depends I should say; as you said , Even if you earned income last year / before , if it falls below the IRS minimum you don't have to file a tax return. The minimum varies according to your age and filing status; IRS will file a SFR based only on info. IRS has from other sources ; it will not include any additional expenses or exemptions to which they may be entitled . it may overstate actual tax liability. IRS will ask you a taxpayer to consent to proposed tax. If you fail to respond, IRS issues statutory notice of deficiency.

If I have not received notification does that indicate that they have not filed one?====>In your case I believe so

SteveMobiley · #3 (**permalink**) 02-22-2018, 11:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wnhough

My question: Do they normally notify you if they file an SFR?===========>It depends I should say; as you said , Even if you earned income last year / before , if it falls below the IRS minimum you don't have to file a tax return. The minimum varies according to your age and filing status; IRS will file a SFR based only on info. IRS has from other sources ; it will not include any additional expenses or exemptions to which they may be entitled . it may overstate actual tax liability. IRS will ask you a taxpayer to consent to proposed tax. If you fail to respond, IRS issues statutory notice of deficiency.

If I have not received notification does that indicate that they have not filed one?====>In your case I believe so

Thank you for the reply.

If they have not filled SFR's I am in a better position to get this straightened out.