Prior-year & missed returns
Missed a year, or three? It happens. We pull your IRS records, file what's missing and help you get current, without a lecture.
In plain words
Life gets in the way: a move, a new baby, a lost job, a death in the family. We help neighbors catch up every season. The first step is the same for everyone: with your OK, we request your IRS wage and income transcripts so we know exactly what was reported for each year.
Then we prepare each missing year with that year's forms and rules. If refunds are due, we file for them. If you owe, we file anyway and help set up a payment plan, because filing late is almost always cheaper than not filing.
Who this is for
- Anyone who skipped one or more years
- People who lost their W-2s or 1099s
- Anyone who got a letter about an unfiled return
- People who need past returns for a mortgage, FAFSA or immigration file
- Anyone who filed but left something off and needs to amend
✓ Included in the fee
What you get
- Transcript request with your signed Form 8821
- A one-page summary of what the IRS has on file for each year
- Each year prepared with that year's forms and rules
- E-file where the IRS allows it, mailed returns where it doesn't
- Payment plan request if you owe
- A get-current plan so this year goes in on time
The fee, before we start
$ Prior years
- Transcript pull and review Credited toward your returns if you go ahead $45
- Each prior-year return Same fee as the matching current-year return type from $165
- Wisconsin return for a prior year Included, same as current year Included
- Payment plan request IRS or Wisconsin installment agreement from $75
Example fees for the 2025 tax year. We quote all the missing years together, in writing, after the transcript review.
How you pay
You pay when you sign: card, cash or check. We never take our fee out of your refund, and we don't sell refund loans or refund transfers.
Our accuracy promise
If we make a mistake on your return that leads to an IRS or Wisconsin penalty or interest, we pay that penalty and interest and fix the return for free. The tax itself was always yours to pay, so that part isn't covered. Bring us the letter; we handle the rest.
Good to know
1 Three-year refund window
In general, you have three years from a return's original due date to claim a refund. After that, the refund is gone, though you may still need to file.
2 E-file or paper
The IRS takes e-filed returns for the current year and the two years before it. Older years go by mail, and we prepare those for mailing with a cover letter.
What to bring
- Photo ID and Social Security cards
- Any forms you still have for the missing years
- Any IRS or Wisconsin letters about those years
- Your current address and bank details
Missing something? Book anyway. Many gaps can be filled from your IRS transcript.
The full checklist you can tick and print →Questions about prior years returns
All questions →I don't have my old W-2s. Can you still file?
Usually, yes. Your IRS wage and income transcript lists what employers and banks reported for you. We request it with your permission and work from that.
How many years back do I need to file?
It depends on your situation and any letters you've received. The IRS often asks for the last six years from people who haven't filed. We check your transcripts first and give you a straight answer.
Am I going to be in trouble?
Most people who come forward on their own simply file, then pay or set up a plan. We can't promise how the IRS will respond to any one case, but we'll tell you honestly what we see.
Other services
Ready when you are.
Book a time at any of our three offices or on video. The fee is set before we start, and nothing comes out of your refund.