I am 47. I have worked as a short order cook in small restaurants all my life. I only ever filed taxes once, when I was 19, and have never filed since. I am not an illegal alien, I was born and raised in the US. I've worked in 4 different states, and I would estimate at *least* 40 different restaurants, some that are now out of business, some who's names I can't even remember. I have never received any notices from the IRS. Should I just start filing my taxes again?

Basically, You must file a federal income tax return if your income is above a certain level; which varies depending on your filing status, age and the type of income you receive. However, there are some instances when you may want to file a tax return even though you are not required to do so. Even if you don?t have to file,You should file to get money back if Federal Income Tax was withheld from your pay, you made estimated tax payments, or had a prior year overpayment applied to this year?s tax. You may qualify for EITC if you worked, but did not earn a lot of money.EITC is a refundable tax credit; which means you could qualify for a tax refund. Filing taxes isn't voluntary, despite what tax evaders argue. If you make over a certain amount each year you are required to pay a tax on that income. In fact, this requirement is clearly set forth in section 1 of the Internal Revenue Code, which imposes a tax on the taxable income of individuals, estates and trustsMaybe you don't have the information to complete your return, or you don't have enough money to pay your tax and are afraid to file your return. Whatever the case may be, not filing your taxes has very serious consequences. You may hear about people who get away with cheating Uncle Sam for years, but sooner or later the IRS catches up to people who have not filed. Not Filing and Not Paying Are Not the Same
This belief is a very serious mistake, because the IRS penalizes for both not filing and not paying. So, what can you do if you calculate your return only to realize you don't have the money to pay the tax? Many people in this situation believe they shouldn't file if they don't have the money. Again, it would be a big mistake not to pay. The IRS may file what is known as a substitute return for you. However, as you well know, the IRS will not be looking to save you any money. In fact, a substitute return will not include any of the standard deductions your accountant would typically include in your return. Case in point, a substitute return only allows one exemption: single or married filing separate, so you end up with higher tax liability than if you would have just filed. I guess you need to contact an Enrolled AGENT OR A cpa doing taxes in your local area for more info in detail for your fed and state returns.