Information

• Filing a missing year's tax return is quite similar to filing a current year's forms. You will require all the prior year's filing information, receipts, earning statements, W-2s and any other documents you have for the missing tax year. It is especially important that you have all the earnings information for the applicable year before beginning the return to ensure its accuracy. If you are missing any earnings information, contact the IRS to request copies. Allow approximately four to six weeks to receive the information from the IRS.
  
  

Forms

• The IRS requires all previous years' tax returns to be filed using the paper method. Electronic filing of previous years' returns is not permitted. Visit the IRS website or a library to obtain copies of the previous years' forms, along with the tax form instructions that include the appropriate tax tables and charts. You will require the year in question's applicable tax tables and charts to complete the forms, as the tables change each year.
  
  

Completing the Forms

• The IRS processes delayed returns manually. Therefore, it is important that the forms be completed in a legible fashion so the IRS processor can read the information and figures with ease. Complete the forms in blue or black ink, if you are unable to type the information within the tax forms.
  
  

Sending the Forms

• Always verify the calculations and information on each tax form prior to sending your return to the IRS. Sign and date the forms in the applicable areas and be sure to obtain the signature of the tax preparer, if you have received preparation assistance. Include a check or money order for any past due payments or complete a tax, or set up the electronic payment option by contacting the IRS. Mail the completed and signed tax returns, supporting documents and applicable tax payments to the IRS. Refer to the tax form instruction booklet for the appropriate mailing address. Contact the IRS customer assistance department for the appropriate mailing address if the tax return is more than a few years old, since these addresses may have changed.