Missing state tax returns..will it hurt my ch. 7?

[hardtimespdx]

Well,
I'm in the early stages of getting my file and paperwork reading for my ch. 7. I live in Oregon, and the attorney asked to 4 years of tax returns. Well I am very worried, as I didn't file for those years. Last year I was a full time student and earned very little money. The two years before that I would have gotten a return...maybe as much as $500-$600 each year. The year before I might have owed $100. It was a dumb mistake on my part. I came here from Nevada, we didn't have to file state tax returns. So I figured if I don't owe, or am getting a refund back, no big deal. I was too lazy to file, but now I'm worried it will stop my ch. 7, or I will be in trouble with the state tax department. I have a phone conference with my attorney on thursday. The paralegal said I might have to file those back taxes, because if there is a return of over $400, the trustee will want the money.Has anyone had any similiar experience like this? I wanted to be able to file soon, because I'm so worried about a judgement being filed against me. It's coming up to 12 months since I've last paid on the credit cards. I think I need a valium! I'm glad at least I've found this forum!

[hardtimespdx]

All my federal tax returns are in order, by the way.

[CATCHMEIFYOUCAN]

I think you could get an affidavit stating you did not file State Tax returns and the reason for not filing. After all why would one file if they didn't make much? Than again I hope someone chimes in here that knows better!

Best to you, Catchmeifyoucan

[krielly]

I know when we filed Chapt 13 BK in October 05, we hadn't yet completed our 2004 Fed and State returns. Those HAD to be filed before we could be confirmed. Not sure if Chapt 7 is different or not.......?
If you might potentially have money coming back to you for a couple of those years, it could offset any penalties you might incur, and may be a wash. I think it would be prudent to get those filed, for peace of mind regardless........
Your lawyer can advise you the best way to go about it.

[WantToBeDebtFre]

One of the cases before mine at my 341 the girl said she hadn't filed tax returns the year before (for 2006) so the trustee asked he if she had 2005's and she gave him those. He didn't say anything else about it. It may be that she didn't work at all in 2006, though I'm not sure.

[hardtimespdx]

Okay thank you everyone for your answers. I talk with my attorney tomorrow. I earned almost no income last year, because of being a full time student. but for 2005 it looks like I would have gotten a big return of maybe $900. Yeah, I know why didn't I fill out the forms to see I was getting that much. Bad move, but that's why I'm doing Ch. 7. I wish the trustee didn't have to go back that many years. I wonder if they look back over the last 4 years or if it is just so my attorney is prepared just in case. Well I will post something when I know more! Thanks for the advice.