Haven't filed taxes since 2016 - should I call the IRS directly or hire a CPA/attorney first?

While it might feel scary to contact the IRS directly without representation, in your situation it could be the right first step. The IRS has programs specifically designed for people who haven't filed for multiple years and have financial hardship. First, know that you'll need to file all missing returns (2016-present). The good news is that if the IRS owes YOU money for any of those years, you can still get those refunds for returns filed within 3 years of their due date. For the years you owe taxes, the IRS offers several payment options: - Installment agreements that fit your budget - Currently Not Collectible status if you truly can't pay - Offer in Compromise (settling for less than you owe) in severe hardship cases The key is to be proactive. The IRS is generally more reasonable with taxpayers who come forward voluntarily rather than waiting to be found. Regarding your kids' FAFSA situation - that can often be resolved by filing just the most recent 2-3 years of returns, so you might prioritize those.

I was in almost the exact same situation a few months ago (hadn't filed since 2015) and was terrified to contact the IRS! After trying to call them for weeks and never getting through, I found this service called taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai) that helped me organize all my old tax documents and figure out exactly what I owed before I even contacted the IRS. It saved me so much stress because I was able to upload all the tax documents I could find, and their AI analyzed everything and gave me a complete breakdown of my situation. It even found some deductions I had no idea I qualified for! By the time I finally reached the IRS, I knew exactly what I was dealing with instead of walking in blind. The best part was being able to get organized without paying thousands upfront to a CPA. Definitely worth checking out in your situation.

Just wanted to follow up after trying taxr.ai that someone recommended above. I was SUPER skeptical at first because my tax situation was such a mess (6 years unfiled, self-employed for 3 of those years, missing tons of documents). But it honestly helped me sort through everything way faster than I expected. I uploaded what documents I had, and it generated complete tax return drafts for all my missing years. The system even identified potential red flags that might trigger audits and suggested documentation I should gather just in case. I was fully prepared to spend $8k+ on a tax resolution specialist, but ended up filing everything myself after using this tool. Still owe the IRS money but at least now I'm on a payment plan I can actually afford instead of drowning in anxiety about the unknown. Worth checking out if you're in a similar situation!

If you're struggling to reach the IRS (which is EXTREMELY likely - their phone lines are a nightmare), I highly recommend using Claimyr (https://claimyr.com). I spent literally weeks trying to get through to discuss my payment options after not filing for years. I was about to give up when I found Claimyr. They have this system that gets you to the front of the IRS phone queue. You can see how it works here: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c I was connected with an actual IRS agent in under 15 minutes when I had been trying unsuccessfully for days. Once I got through, the agent was surprisingly helpful about setting up a payment plan that worked with my limited income. Sometimes just getting a human on the phone makes all the difference.

So I need to apologize for my skepticism earlier. After getting disconnected AGAIN trying to reach the IRS this morning (2 hours on hold!), I gave in and tried that Claimyr service. Got connected to an actual IRS person in 13 minutes. The agent I spoke with pulled up my account and walked me through my options for my unfiled returns. They set me up with a payment plan that's actually manageable ($175/month) and explained that I qualified for first-time penalty abatement which saved me nearly $1,800! They were far more helpful and less judgmental than I expected. The relief of finally having this sorted out is indescribable. If you're in a similar situation, definitely don't wait - and definitely don't waste days trying to get through on your own.

I work at a tax firm and want to add some perspective on the $10k quote you received. That's actually pretty standard for multiple years of unfiled returns with potential complications. HOWEVER, you absolutely don't need to go that route given your financial situation. The IRS has specific programs for people experiencing financial hardship. You might qualify for Currently Not Collectible status, which means they recognize you can't pay right now and temporarily stop collection activities. Also, many communities have free tax clinics through LITC (Low Income Taxpayer Clinic) programs that can help you get back into compliance without the massive fees. Google "LITC" plus your city name to find one near you.

Whatever you do, DON'T use one of those "tax resolution" companies that advertise on the radio! My brother was in a similar situation and paid one $3000 upfront... all they did was file a simple extension form that he could have done himself for free. The IRS is actually pretty reasonable when you're honest and proactive. If you call them yourself and explain your situation (especially the family health issues), they can often waive penalties and help set up manageable payment plans.

I'm sorry you're going through this - the combination of family health crises and financial stress makes tax issues feel so much more overwhelming. Based on what others have shared here, it sounds like contacting the IRS directly might be your best first step, especially given your budget constraints. A few things that might help ease your anxiety about calling: The IRS has specific hardship provisions for situations exactly like yours. When you call, mention the family medical situations (your mom's terminal illness, your dad's passing, your brother's depression) as these are considered reasonable cause for filing delays and can help with penalty relief. For your kids' FAFSA situation, you might not need to file ALL the missing years immediately - sometimes just getting the most recent 2-3 years filed can unblock their financial aid process. You could ask the IRS agent which years are most critical to prioritize. Also, don't feel like you have to solve everything in one phone call. The IRS agents are used to complex situations and can often work with you on a timeline that makes sense for your circumstances. The fact that you're reaching out proactively (rather than waiting for them to find you) will work in your favor. You've already survived incredibly difficult personal circumstances - you can get through this too.

I want to echo what others have said about contacting the IRS directly - they really can be more helpful than you'd expect, especially when you're proactive about resolving the situation. One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet is the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS). Since you're dealing with significant financial hardship AND your children's education is being affected, you might qualify for their help. TAS is an independent organization within the IRS that helps taxpayers resolve problems when normal channels aren't working. They're free and can sometimes expedite cases where there's educational or economic hardship. You can reach them at 1-877-777-4778 or apply online. Given that your kids' FAFSA is being held up, this could potentially qualify as causing "significant hardship" which is exactly what TAS is designed to help with. Also, when you do call the main IRS line, ask specifically about "reasonable cause" relief for penalties due to your family's medical circumstances. The IRS has specific guidelines that consider serious illness of immediate family members as valid reasons for filing delays, which could save you thousands in penalties. You've got this - the hardest part is making that first call, and you're already mentally preparing to do it.