The IRS uses Letter 1862 to inform you they have not received your federal tax return and they want you to file. You might receive this letter if you filed an extension but didn't file a return or if you had home mortgage interest but no income. (The IRS wonders where you got the money!) But, usually, they only request returns if they think you owe.
The IRS may have lost your return and they say you didn't file. This is irritating, but if you have the certified mailing receipt then you can argue about the filing date and there is a procedure for this. But, unless you have the mailing receipt, it is usually better to just re-file than argue. However, since you are filing an original return you have the opportunity to comb through your records and find more deductions!
Some of the old years may not require returns. If returns are due they must be carefully prepared for maximize advantage to you.
Lost Documents
Sometimes people can't find their documents. However, this law office is adept at finding evidence and discovering documents. See Lost Documents.
This is NOT an audit & likely won't lead to an audit. The IRS just wants the returns. But, since they believe you owe you must be careful, not rash. It is best to thoroughly investigate the evidence & your options before filing any returns.
Steps in Response to Letter 1862
Because of legal implications and procedural issues it is not usually smart to rush to file a return. We need to discover the IRS file, review the statute of limitations issues and create an Action Plan for your specific situation. Please follow the Prep Steps for IRS Letter 1862 & see Mr. Hopkins before you file!
