Direct answer
What is back taxes help?
IRS policy (Policy Statement 5-133) generally requires the last 6 years to be compliant, though specifics depend on your facts.
The IRS has 10 years to collect, but the clock doesn't start until a return is filed. Getting current is step one of every resolution.
Proof
Does back taxes help actually work?
Yes — here's what the IRS's own data shows about back taxes help outcomes, timelines, and acceptance.
Process
How does the back taxes help process work?
In 4 defined steps: wage & income transcripts for every missing year → reconstruct deductions & credits → file in the right order → resolution of the resulting balance. Most clients see protective action within days, with full resolution measured in weeks to months.
- 01
Wage & Income transcripts for every missing year
We pull IRS Wage & Income transcripts (W-2, 1099, 1098, K-1) for each unfiled year — the same data the IRS has — so reconstructed returns match third-party reporting.
- 02
Reconstruct deductions & credits
Self-employed clients lose the most to SFRs. We reconstruct Schedule C, vehicle, home-office, and depreciation from bank statements, calendars, and contemporaneous records.
- 03
File in the right order
Generally newest-to-oldest, but with strategy when SFRs already exist (file 1040X to override) or when refund years are at risk.
- 04
Resolution of the resulting balance
Once compliant, we pivot to the right resolution: installment agreement, OIC, CNC, penalty abatement — often combined.
Want to know if back taxes help is right for your case?
Free, confidential 15-minute case review with a CPA — no sales pressure, no obligation.
Timeline
How long does back taxes help take?
Most cases move through 3 phases. Expect protective relief in the first phase and full resolution typically in 4–12 weeks.
Transcript pull + scope
Identify every unfiled year, every SFR, every existing balance.
Return preparation
Depending on years and records — self-employed cases take longer.
Filing & resolution setup
Returns processed; resolution (IA / OIC / CNC) put in place.
Eligibility
Do I qualify for back taxes help?
Back Taxes Help fits a specific set of taxpayer situations — and there are cases where a different strategy will get you a better outcome. Here's exactly who it's for and who it isn't.
Who this is for
- Taxpayers with multiple years of unfiled returns
- Anyone receiving collection notices for old balances
- Self-employed individuals behind on estimated payments
When this isn't the right tool
- Returns flagged for criminal investigation by IRS-CI — coordinate with a tax attorney first.
- Fraudulent returns (concealment of income) — voluntary disclosure analysis required before filing.
What we handle for you
- Reconstruct income from IRS Wage & Income transcripts
- Prepare and file all delinquent returns accurately
- Negotiate the resolution that best fits the resulting balance
Investment
How much does back taxes help cost?
We engage on a written flat fee with no hourly billing — typical engagements range from a few thousand to mid-five figures depending on the factors below. Your initial consultation is free and you receive a written quote before any commitment.
The fee for your case depends on:
- • Number of years to prepare.
- • Whether you have records or returns must be fully reconstructed from transcripts.
- • Business returns (Schedule C, 1120-S, 1065) cost more than W-2-only returns.
- • Whether SFR overrides (1040X) are required.
Your initial consultation is free. You'll get a written scope and flat-fee quote before any engagement.
Watch out
What mistakes should I avoid with back taxes help?
These are the four most common errors we see when taxpayers (or under-qualified preparers) handle these cases — each one can cost months of delay or trigger an outright rejection.
Filing one year and waiting
Partial filings trigger CP59 / CP63 letters that escalate the unfiled years. We file the full compliance window together when possible.
Letting the SFR stand
An SFR can be overridden with an original return showing actual deductions — but it takes affirmative filing, not waiting.
Missing the 3-year refund window
We file refund-year returns first when months matter. Once 3 years past the original due date, that refund is gone forever.
Compare
What are the alternatives to back taxes help?
Back Taxes Help isn't the only path. Here are the other IRS programs that may fit better depending on your finances, asset picture, and timeline.
Voluntary Disclosure Program (VDP)
Income was intentionally concealed (offshore accounts, unreported cash) — coordinated criminal-tax pathway.
Not sure which path fits your situation? We'll tell you straight.
Free, confidential 15-minute case review with a CPA — no sales pressure, no obligation.
More questions answered
Common questions about back taxes help
Direct answers to the 4 questions we hear most often from taxpayers researching back taxes help.
How many years of returns do I have to file?+
IRS policy (Policy Statement 5-133) generally requires the last 6 years to be compliant, though specifics depend on your facts.
How far back do I have to file?+
IRS Policy Statement 5-133: typically the last 6 years for compliance. Your facts may require more (Revenue Officer cases) or fewer (refund-only years with no liability).
Can I go to jail for unfiled returns?+
Failure to file is a misdemeanor under IRC § 7203, but prosecution is rare for taxpayers who voluntarily file before the IRS opens an investigation.
What if I don't have any records?+
We rebuild from IRS Wage & Income transcripts plus your bank and credit card statements. Most cases produce defensible returns even without original records.
Why Comprehensive Tax Resolution
Why should I hire Comprehensive Tax Resolution for back taxes help?
Your case is reviewed and led by Franklin Sofi, MBA, CPA, CTRS — backed by a flat-fee engagement, same-day Power of Attorney filing, and 16+ years of direct IRS representation.
- Founder Franklin Sofi, MBA, CPA — Certified Tax Resolution Specialist with 16+ years representing taxpayers before the IRS and ASTPS Gold Member.
- You never speak to the IRS. Power of Attorney (Form 2848) is filed the same day so every call, letter, and Revenue Officer is routed to our office.
- Flat-fee engagements with a written scope. No hourly surprises, no monthly retainers stretching out a case that should close.
References
Sources & further reading
Authoritative primary sources cited or referenced on this page.