2024 Return on Hold Due to Unfiled 2019 Taxes - Awaiting IRS Notice

Have you checked your IRS transcript online? That would confirm if they've actually placed a hold on your 2024 return. When did you file your 2024 taxes? The IRS typically follows a specific protocol for unfiled returns - they'll send a series of notices before taking action on current year returns.

Do you have your income documents from 2019? W-2s, 1099s, etc? Get those together now. Don't wait for the letter. The IRS is backlogged and you'll save time by being proactive. Also, were you required to file in 2019? Some people with low income aren't required to file.

Thank you all for the insightful responses. This community is like having a team of tax professionals at my fingertips. I've located most of my 2019 documentation and will begin preparing that return immediately rather than waiting for the formal notice. I appreciate the timeline expectations as well - it helps me plan accordingly for the eventual resolution.

I've been through this exact situation and can walk you through the steps: 1. First, prepare and file your 2019 return ASAP - don't wait for the letter 2. After filing the past-due return, you'll need to call the IRS to inform them 3. Request they note your account that you've addressed the issue 4. Ask for the hold on your 2024 return to be released The challenge is actually reaching an IRS agent. When I was in this situation, I spent days trying to get through. I finally used Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) which connected me to an agent in about 20 minutes. They were able to confirm my 2019 return was received and release the hold on my current year refund. Saved me weeks of waiting for the systems to sync up automatically.

Wait, so they can just hold your current refund for a return from FIVE years ago? 😳 That seems kinda extreme. What if you don't have all your docs from back then? Do they expect everyone to keep tax stuff forever? (I mean, I know we're supposed to, but still...

I should probably warn you that, in some cases, filing a past-due return might potentially trigger additional scrutiny on your current return. The IRS systems may, at least in theory, flag accounts with compliance issues for more thorough review. You might want to consider, if possible, consulting with a tax professional who specializes in resolution cases before proceeding. They could possibly help ensure everything is handled properly to minimize any further complications.

Does the Statute of Limitations not apply to unfiled returns? I thought the IRS could only go back 3 years for audits and 6 years for substantial underreporting. Is there different SoL criteria for completely unfiled returns versus filed returns with errors?

Just to clarify what others have mentioned - the IRS has no time limit for unfiled returns. I had this happen with returns from 2017 and 2018 that affected my 2022 filing. The key difference between audits and unfiled returns is that the statute of limitations doesn't begin until you actually file. For unfiled returns, the clock never starts ticking. My previous experience taught me to gather wage transcripts directly from the IRS if you're missing documents - they have records of all W-2s and 1099s filed under your SSN.