If you have been procrastinating about filing your 2009 tax return or have other prior year returns that have not been filed, you should consider the consequences.

Taxpayers should file all tax returns that are due, regardless of whether or not full payment can be made with the return. Depending on an individual’s circumstances, a taxpayer filing late may qualify for a payment plan. All payment plans require continued compliance with all filing and payment responsibilities after the plan is approved.

Facts about Filing Tax Returns

• Failing to file a return or filing late can be costly. If taxes are owed, a delay in filing may result in penalty and interest charges that could substantially increase your tax bill. The late filing and payment penalties are a combined 5% per month (25% maximum) of the balance due.

• If a refund is due, there is no penalty for failing to file a tax return. But by waiting too long to file, you can lose your refund. In order to receive a refund, the return must be filed within three years of the due date. If you file a return, and later realize you made an error on the return, the deadline for claiming any refund due is three years after the return was filed, or two years after the tax was paid, whichever expires later.

• Taxpayers who are entitled to the Earned Income Tax Credit must file a return to claim the credit, even if they are not otherwise required to file. The return must be filed within three years of the due date in order to receive the credit.

• If you are self-employed, you must file returns reporting self-employment income within three years of the due date in order to receive Social Security credits toward your retirement.