If it’s been years since you filed your taxes, you might feel stuck — unsure where to start or afraid of what might happen if you do. You’re not alone. Many good people fall behind due to life changes, financial hardship, or simple overwhelm. The important thing is that you can fix it, and doing so sooner rather than later makes all the difference.
At Tax Relief Heroes, Larry Kiyohiro, Esq., represents clients across Hawaii and the mainland who haven’t filed in years. As an experienced tax attorney, he helps individuals and business owners address unfiled returns, stop enforcement actions, and move toward a clean slate with confidence.
Why the IRS Cares About Unfiled Returns
The IRS doesn’t just forget about missing tax years. When returns aren’t filed, they eventually take action — often starting with what’s called a Substitute for Return (SFR). That’s when the IRS files a tax return on your behalf, based only on income reported to them by employers or banks.
Here’s the problem: those SFRs exclude deductions, credits, and expenses you might be entitled to claim. As a result, the tax debt shown is almost always far higher than what you actually owe. Left unresolved, those balances can lead to liens, wage levies, or legal collection actions.
Why You Shouldn’t Wait
It’s natural to want to avoid dealing with the IRS — especially if several years have passed. But the longer you wait, the fewer options you have. Once the IRS begins enforcement, they can garnish wages, seize funds, and file liens against property.
By taking the initiative, you control the process. You can often limit penalties, negotiate payment terms, and in some cases, even qualify for penalty abatement or a settlement reduction through programs like the Offer in Compromise.
How a Tax Attorney Helps You Get Back on Track
Getting compliant after years of unfiled taxes isn’t just about filing paperwork — it’s about strategy. Larry Kiyohiro, Esq. helps clients:
- Retrieve IRS transcripts to confirm exactly which years need filing
- Reconstruct missing income or expense records accurately
- Prepare and file multiple years of returns in the correct order
- Communicate directly with the IRS to prevent enforcement during the process
- Address resulting balances through settlements or structured payment plans
Having an attorney manage the process protects your rights, ensures accuracy, and minimizes the risk of triggering an audit or penalty.
How Far Back You Need to File
Many clients are relieved to learn that the IRS typically requires only the last six years of tax returns to restore compliance — though this can vary based on your situation. A tax attorney can determine which years are essential and which can safely remain closed, saving you time and unnecessary stress.
Rebuilding Financial Stability After Filing
Once your returns are filed, it’s time to focus on preventing future problems. That means keeping business and personal finances organized, planning ahead for estimated taxes, and staying in touch with a trusted professional who can keep you compliant each year.
Larry provides ongoing guidance to help clients stay current, avoid new penalties, and maintain long-term financial peace of mind.
You Can Start Fresh — Legally and Confidently
The hardest part is taking the first step. Once you do, you’ll find that the process is far less painful than you imagined — especially with an experienced tax attorney managing it on your behalf.
Contact Tax Relief Heroes
If you haven’t filed taxes in years, it’s not too late to make things right — and you don’t have to face the IRS alone.
📞 Contact Tax Relief Heroes today to speak with Larry Kiyohiro, Esq., an experienced tax attorney serving clients in Hawaii and across the U.S., and take the first step toward a clean financial slate.