So yeah... looks like I forgot to file '05 state taxes.

[AStar617]

I'm in Massachusetts.

A bunch of distracting life crap was going on in April and I went to telefile but got disconnected and never went back to complete it. I just found the paperwork while unpacking from a move, and was reminded of the fact that I never got a chance to finish the process.

I expected to be almost even steven, plus or minus $5 bucks. This excerpt makes me think I should be okay:

If you do not have a valid extension and do not file your return by the due date, you will be charged a late return penalty of 1% per month on the unpaid tax. In addition, any portion of the tax not paid by the due date is subject to a late payment penalty of ½% per month on the unpaid tax. Both late return and late payment penalties are capped at 25% of the unpaid tax.

I know that every day I wait, I leave them an opportunity to audit me. That would suck. However, I take this to mean that no matter how long they've accrued, I'm only stuck with 25% (late return filing penalty) plus 25% (late payment penalty) extra, or $2.50 extra. Even if I miscalculated and I owe $50--which I KNOW I dont owe, since I worked the numbers out on TurboTax Online but didnt file with them for a $30 fee to get a $5 return--that's still only a liability of $25 extra. Is that right? And if I take care of this before being prompted, do I still get audited on previous years just for being this late?

 

[rtallma1]

Oh, man. I hear you can do more time for tax evasion than murder.

 

[SampSon]

Very little.
No state government is going to come after you if they owe you money.

 

[nuthead]

yes, the penalty is on the amount you owe

so unless you owed a lot, it won't be that bad

basically, they don't penalize people that are due refunds, but people that failed to pay owed taxes on time get hammered

take care of it immediately!

 

[rtallma1]

Originally posted by: rtallma1
Oh, man. I hear you can do more time for tax evasion than murder.

WTF. kingtas just posted that!

 

[KK]

move to idaho.

 

[ytiam]

Be afraid. I will report you.

 

[Midlander]

File now. Even then, in 20 years when you want to run for Congress, the Democrats will wait until 30 days before election to let everyone know you are a no-good tax-evader. Kiss your political career goodby.

 

[AStar617]

Why would my own party sell me up the river? j/k, lemming-esque bipartisanism is destroying this nation. I'm indie for life.

I plan on filing. I'm just curious if I'm still open for audit even after I file late without an extension.

 

[FoBoT]

you can get audited either way, just take care of it

 

[altonb1]

Originally posted by: FoBoT
you can get audited either way, just take care of it

QFT. If you are due a refund, then all is well. If you owe them, the sooner you get it straight, the better you will be.

 

[ZOOYUKA]

Sounds like you will probably end up in a Federal pound you in the ass prison!

 

[spidey07]

Originally posted by: ZOOYUKA
Sounds like you will probably end up in a Federal pound you in the ass prison!

He's fine. Just needs to file. Provided of course there isn't any funny business going on.

 

[Don Vito Corleone]

In most states you aren't required to file if you are owed a refund. Is Mass different?