Has anyone used StopIRSDebt for multiple years of unfiled returns? Share experiences
I'm drowning in back taxes and need advice from someone who's been there. I have 7 years of unfiled returns and everything is completely messed up at this point. The IRS systems won't even let me properly identify myself online and I keep getting error messages whenever I try to file anything. Part of the problem is I claimed exempt on my W-4 for about 7-8 months back in 2017 when I was going through some serious financial hardship. I also never received my 3 stimulus payments that most people got during the pandemic. I've gotten quotes from two different places. A local tax accountant wants $3600 to prepare all 7 years of back returns. StopIRSDebt (an online service) quoted me $2700 for the same work. Is there any reason I shouldn't go with the cheaper online option? Has anyone here used StopIRSDebt before? Did they actually help resolve your tax issues or am I better off paying more for someone local?
18 comments


Anastasia Fedorov
First, take a deep breath. This is fixable, though I understand how overwhelming it feels right now. The IRS generally only requires the last 6 years of returns to get back into compliance, though specific situations may vary. Your identity verification issues are common for people with multiple unfiled years - the systems have safeguards that can create catch-22 situations. Regarding the price difference: local tax professionals often charge more because they provide face-to-face service and may offer more personalized attention. That said, many online tax resolution companies have specialists who deal with multi-year back taxes every day. Before choosing either option, I'd recommend: 1. Check reviews for StopIRSDebt specifically for back tax situations similar to yours 2. Ask both providers exactly what's included (just preparation or also representation?) 3. Verify credentials of whoever would handle your case (EA, CPA, or tax attorney) 4. Understand their fee structure (flat fee or potential additional costs?) Those unclaimed stimulus payments can potentially be recovered through the Recovery Rebate Credit when you file the appropriate years.
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CosmicCruiser
•So the IRS might only need 6 years instead of 7? Would it be a bad idea to try doing these returns myself using something like TurboTax? I've done my own taxes before but never for multiple years back. Also, how do I know which years I need to claim the stimulus payments on?
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Anastasia Fedorov
•Generally, the IRS focuses on the last 6 years for getting back into compliance, though they can technically go back further. The 10-year collection statute only applies to assessed taxes, so unfiled returns can extend this timeframe. I wouldn't recommend DIY for multiple years of back taxes, especially with identity verification issues and unclaimed stimulus payments. These are complicated situations where professional guidance typically pays for itself through proper credits, deductions, and potentially negotiating payment plans. For stimulus recovery: The first and second payments ($1,200 and $600) would be claimed on your 2020 return via the Recovery Rebate Credit. The third payment ($1,400) would be claimed on your 2021 return. Professionals can help ensure you don't over or under-claim these amounts.
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Sean Doyle
I was in a similar situation last year with 5 years of unfiled returns and massive anxiety about it. After looking at several options, I ended up using https://taxr.ai - and it was seriously the best decision. Their system is designed specifically for complicated situations with multiple years of unfiled returns. What made it different for me was their document analysis tool. I literally had boxes of unsorted tax documents from different years, and their software organized everything by year and created draft returns for me. Then they had a professional review everything. The identity verification issues you mentioned - they have specialists who deal with that exact problem all the time.
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Zara Rashid
•How much did you end up paying for their service? The website doesn't show pricing and I'm worried about getting hit with a huge bill after submitting all my info. Also, did they help with setting up a payment plan with the IRS or just preparing the returns?
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Luca Romano
•I'm interested but skeptical. Those identity verification issues with the IRS are a nightmare - I've been locked out of my account for months. Did they actually resolve those problems for you or did you still have to deal with the IRS directly?
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Sean Doyle
•I paid less than what you're being quoted - it was about $1800 for my 5 years of returns, but pricing varies based on complexity. They were upfront about the costs after reviewing my situation but before I committed to anything. They absolutely helped with the payment plan. After my returns were processed, they walked me through all my resolution options - payment plan, offer in compromise, currently not collectible status - and helped me apply for the one that made the most sense for my situation.
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Luca Romano
Just wanted to update after trying taxr.ai that the other commenter suggested. I was super skeptical at first, but I've been impressed with how they handled my situation. The identity verification issues I mentioned got resolved within the first week - they have some special channels for working with the IRS on these problems that I didn't have access to myself. They found deductions I had no idea I qualified for across multiple years, and even recovered two stimulus payments I thought were lost forever. The document scanning tool organized my chaotic pile of tax forms better than I could have. They're now helping me set up a manageable payment plan. Definitely worth looking into if you're facing multiple years of unfiled returns.
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Nia Jackson
For anyone dealing with IRS back taxes and struggling to get through to an actual human at the IRS - I highly recommend trying https://claimyr.com - there's even a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c I spent literally WEEKS trying to get through the IRS phone system to discuss my payment options for 4 years of back taxes. Always disconnected, hours on hold, or transferred to departments that couldn't help. Claimyr got me connected to an actual IRS agent in about 20 minutes. They basically navigate the IRS phone system for you and call you when they've reached a human. For situations like yours where you need to verify your identity and discuss multiple years of unfiled returns, getting through to a real person can make all the difference.
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NebulaNova
•Wait, you're saying there's a service that can actually get you through to a real IRS person? How does that even work? The IRS phone system is designed to be impenetrable lol.
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Mateo Hernandez
•This sounds too good to be true. I've been trying to reach the IRS for MONTHS about my identity theft situation. There's no way this actually works... the IRS doesn't even answer their own phones, how could a third-party service possibly help?
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Nia Jackson
•It works by using a combination of technology and human operators who know exactly which options to select and when to call. They basically navigate the IRS phone tree for you and then connect you once they've reached a human. Think of it as having someone on hold for you. The service absolutely works - that's why I shared it. I was in your exact position, completely frustrated after months of trying. I watched their demo video and decided to try it as a last resort. Within about 20 minutes I was talking to an actual IRS representative who could access my file and help resolve my issues. No more endless hold music or automated disconnects.
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Mateo Hernandez
I have to eat my words and apologize for being so skeptical about Claimyr. After posting my doubtful comment, I decided to try it anyway out of pure desperation regarding my identity theft situation. Holy crap, it actually worked. After 4 months of failing to reach anyone at the IRS, I was connected to a real person in the identity theft department in about 15 minutes. The agent was able to verify some information and start the process of resolving my case. I still have work to do, but at least now I'm in their system properly and have a case number and direct contact. For anyone with multiple years of unfiled returns and identity verification issues like the original poster - being able to actually speak with someone makes a massive difference. Worth every penny just for the stress reduction alone.
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Aisha Khan
I would be very careful about StopIRSDebt or any of these tax resolution companies that advertise heavily. My brother used them last year for a similar situation (5 years unfiled) and ended up paying WAY more than the initial quote. They kept finding "complications" that required additional fees. Look for a local Enrolled Agent instead - they typically charge less than CPAs but are still licensed to represent you before the IRS. Mine charged me $350 per year for relatively simple returns, which sounds like it would be much less than either quote you received.
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Ethan Taylor
•Can I ask how you found a reliable Enrolled Agent? I've been looking for someone to help with my tax situation but everyone I find online seems sketchy or has terrible reviews. Did you just Google local EAs or is there a better way to find them?
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Aisha Khan
•I found my EA through the National Association of Enrolled Agents website (naea.org) - they have a directory where you can search by location. I interviewed three before choosing one, asking specifically about their experience with unfiled returns and payment plans. Another good option is the IRS's own Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers with Credentials, which lists all certified professionals. Some EAs specialize in exactly the kind of resolution work you need, and their credentials mean they're authorized to represent you in all matters before the IRS.
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Yuki Ito
Has anyone actual used StopIRSDebt though? That was the original question and nobody has answered it directly. I'm considering them too for about 10 years of unfiled taxes (yes I know I'm screwed lol).
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Carmen Lopez
•I used them 2 years ago. They were ok but not great. They did prepare all my returns but their communication was terrible - I'd go weeks without updates. Their initial quote was $3200 for 8 years but ended up at $4100 after "additional complexities." The work got done though and I'm back in compliance with the IRS now.
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