AboutMike Wellman Expertise I was a former Manager with Price Waterhouse, now PricewaterhouseCoopers, the largest accounting firm in the world. I have had clients in almost every industry and of every size. I will only answer questions dealing with IRS problems such as delinquent tax returns, Offers in Compromise (Tax Settlement), IRS collection matters including installment agreements, liens, levies, seizures, audits, appeals, innocent spouse claims and injured spouse claims. All others will be referred to the question pool.
Experience Over 25 years experience in taxation specializing in IRS collections, examinations and appeals.
Publications New York Times, Wall Street Journal, You Money Magazine
Education/Credentials BBA, Baylor University.
Awards and Honors My website http://www.IRSOS.com won the Knowledgeweb award for educational excellence for content.
Expert: Mike Wellman Date: 6/25/2008 Subject: Taxes
Question Well this may come as a surprise, but I'm trying to help my ex-husband file his taxes for the past five years. My question is, what penalties well he have incurred (if there is a set rate), and what forms are needed to file such? Also, is it safe to file previous years taxes online? He didn't make a heck of alot, but he thought he would try and help out, especially now that he owes back child support. Any advice would certainly help. By the way, we both live in the state of Montana now, but he was previously living in Idaho for a couple of those years.
Answer If he owes no tax, he will owe no penalties. If he does, he will have a failure to file penalty of 5% per month up to a max of 25%. He will have a failure to pay penalty of 1/2 per month up to a max of 25%. However, the combined failure to file and failure to pay penalties cannot exceed 47 1/2%. Additionally, he will owe interest ranging from about 6% to 8% depending on the rate at the time.
You will need the normal forms used for that year. They are available at irs.gov. You cannot file the old years online.
I suggest you go to my web site on the subject at :
