How to file taxes and get info on taxes

[Catia]

I have so many questions, and am trying really really hard to search for the answers to my questions on this site. Sorry in advance if this answer is somewhere, I could not find it.
I was told before I can even begin the BK process that all previous yrs taxes must be filed. I cannot remember which yrs in the past 5 years I have filed, and can't find my records (I have MS and go into/out of remission, things get lost in just trying to live)--Anyway--is there a link/place/phone#/form or something that I can get in order to find out which years I need to file?
Also, I do NOT owe any $$, I know that for sure, if anything else they owe me because my income was too low, am I able to file for previous yrs? I think I did read something about being able to file for past 3 yrs--can someone please clarify--and how long does it take when you are filing taxes for previous years to process if you do not owe? Anyone know? Has anyone done this?

[TTATWORK]

Look up the 1 800 number for the IRS - they should be able to tell you when you last filed, and the previous filings for you. Remember, you'll have to get certified transcripts of 2-3 years previous filings for your BK case. Good luck.

[TTATWORK]

Looked up the number for you, it is 1 800 829 1040, M-F, 0700-2200.

[CindyLou]

I don't think you have to have filed in ALL previous years....just the last 2 (or 3 maybe...)?? Someone else will know if its 2 or 3.....I think its 2.

[gophermn]

I filed a few weeks ago and all we needed was the last 2 years of taxes.

[FreshLikeADaisy]

Well, it's really up to the trustee. The bk law itself says you have to have the most recent year's return -- if you haven't filed yet, that would be the 2006 tax return, if you have filed already it would be 2007 -- but that's only a starting point. As others have mentioned, many trustees request multiple years' worth of tax returns.

But in any case, it's always good to file, even if you don't have to, just to clarify things and ENSURE that you're not left scrambling some years from now trying to find documentation for your income if you get audited or whatever. I had NO income in 2006, and filed on the $500 refund I received in 2005 just to file. Something in my gut said *do it, you'll regret it if you don't* and so I did. Boy am I glad about that.

So if you can go back and file for the missing years, it's definitely worth doing now, and shouldn't be too much of a hassle if all your income was wage income (you're not an independent contractor or self-employed, etc). Good luck!!!

[Catia]

Just wanted to say thanks to all for getting the info to me!

LOL ?! I was totally unaware that you are supposed to file a previous years tax return as income--isn't your income already accounted for? Sigh--I've never ever claimed my previous year tax rtn--never occurred to me. Hope it's not something I need to worry about, cuz that would just add to my issues.
Also, from what I understand, it is up to state laws where you are filing which docs they want--is this true? Anyone from PA?

[FreshLikeADaisy]

Depends on your state, Catia; for whatever reason the state I was in counts the prior year's return as declarable income. WTF? was my first thought too, when I first saw it! I'm sorry, I should have made that clear. My apologies.

BTW, for state taxes, yes, whatever docs they want is up to that state.