Here is a crazy one! Let's say I have been in a cave since 2000. In this cave I was employed by others and received W2's, mostly. The cave does not have the facilities to complete and send tax forms. I recently came out of the cave and now I have a desire to correct my previous lack of effort. I went to the IRS local office and they have provided me with my tax information as well as some counsel.

Here are some of the details:

I always claimed 0
I have two children however the mothers claims them, I have both children physically half time however the mothers have a slight higher percentage of custody.
I have never owned a home.
I have had miscellaneous HSA and other company type programs, mostly in the recent years. I can't remember if I had an IRA/401k in 2000, maybe.
I am unemployed, laid off since Oct 27, 2010. Collecting unemployment.
I don't seem to have to many deductions or assets to complicate the tax process.
I have not filed my taxes since 1999.


2010 $55 k, I did a 1040 EZ and calculated a return of $2077. TurboTax found additional money and calculated $2478.
2009 $67 k, the IRS told me I needed to fill out 1040A with Sch M. I tried and got lost on the Sch M? Around $1000 return.
2008 $66 k, IRS said 1040 EZ (NOT CALCULATED)
2007 $69 k, IRS said 1040 EZ (NOT CALCULATED)
2006 $28 k, IRS said 1040 EZ (NOT CALCULATED)
2005 $44 k, IRS said 1040 EZ (NOT CALCULATED)


2004 $17 k from a W2, IRS said 1040 sch C, sch SE ....... I briefly worked with a cousin and should have received a 1099. The IRS has informed me they understand I received $11k from my cousin. I disagree but unfortunately my cousin recently died and I have no known recourse to clear this up. IRS worker stated this will likely result in over $6k in taxes and then penalties added. (NOT CALCULATED)


2003 For some reason the IRS lady did not give me the information but informed me that my cousin sent a similar 1099 for a similar amount on my behalf. Again I disagree. (NOT CALCULATED)


2002, 2001 and 2000 The IRS lady said was to old to claim and did not give me any information. My understanding is the last time I turned in a tax return was in 1999!!!! (NOT CALCULATED)

I spoke with a nationally advertised tax service, they require $1700 to proceed. That is not possible at this point since I am unemployed and my savings have been depleted.

My questions:

1. How can I reduce the amount reported by my now deceased cousin on the 2003/4 1099's?

2. Would it be best to find a tax attorney to do this work?

3. And would there be enough of a return for an attorney to be paid from the return?

4. Since I know less about taxes than anyone you know and in case I missed a good question I would appreciate any advice you can give me to move forward getting this resolved?


Sincerely .... Thank You