Never filed a tax return

TaxPains · Post by **TaxPains** » Mon Sep 12, 2011 3:46 pm

I am a US and Canadian dual citizen. I was born and lived in Canada up to now and have never filed a US tax return. I never knew that it was required of me. I just recently got a position in the states and will be moving there in the next couple of months, do I need to file tax returns for previous years or can I just file one for this year? Also, will there be any fine since I have never filed a US tax return? Can you point me somewhere where I can do more research? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

nelsona · Post by **nelsona** » Mon Sep 12, 2011 5:23 pm

You need to file catch up returns for the [ast three years, inlcuding FBAR and 8891 for your RRSps.

nelsona · Post by **nelsona** » Mon Sep 12, 2011 5:24 pm

No need to do research. You are a US citizen and should have always filed.

brew99 · Post by **brew99** » Wed Sep 21, 2011 12:50 pm

Nelsona,

I've seen you recommend 3 yrs of back taxes if no taxes are owed. Is this the requirement as apposed to 6 yrs? Many other forums are recommending 6, so i was just wondering if the IRS only requires 3?

nelsona · Post by **nelsona** » Wed Sep 21, 2011 1:14 pm

It's 3. Folks are focussing this year on the undereporting issue, which is not the same as not having reported at all.

brew99 · Post by **brew99** » Wed Sep 21, 2011 3:21 pm

Forgive me if it is obvious to most, but is "under-reporting" the same as having filed US taxes many years ago (my wife previously lived/worked in the USA and filed US taxes, but hasn't since she moved here almost 10 yrs ago). Would you suggest 3 or 6 yrs in a case like this, in order to get up to par with the IRS?

Thanks

nelsona · Post by **nelsona** » Wed Sep 21, 2011 3:27 pm

No. Under-reporting is filing incorrect or incomplete information and owing tax.

she falls under the I didn't know I had to file, but here is three years worth proving I don't owe taxes, along wioth the 8891's and FBAR.