I know this is a very in depth question which is why I decided to start here for some advice. I will try to give basic info to assist with the answer.

I live in California, had a home foreclosure in 2010, I am married and both my wife and I have had a short stint on unemployment other than that we have both had regular jobs, basic W2 withholdings. Through a couple of moves we have misplaced some W2's from 2010 - 2014. IRS has held my payroll withholdings to "single and 1" for 2016 and 2017, so I believe I have some good money built up in my favor, both state and fed. State of CA is now trying to attach my payroll to collect $3K.

I would like to make this right but I can not afford a legal team, $1K - $10K is just not possible. Can I just accept what IRS is saying I owe? Should I do that? AND, how do I go back and file those years?

I appreciate your time and advice.

Eric

I would like to make this right but I can not afford a legal team, $1K - $10K is just not possible. Can I just accept what IRS is saying I owe? =========>>It depends; The irs offers taxpayers a wide range of free tax help services, many of them available online or by smartphone, designed to help people easily and quickly meet their tax-filing and tax-payment responsibilities If you are a qualified taxpayer ,you can apply for a payment plan (including installment agreement) online to pay off your balance over time. This is a good option if you need more than 120 days to pay your tax bill and you owe less than $50k.

Should I do that?=========>>it is up to you; If you owe the IRS an amount that you cannot pay in one lump sum with a return, it is important to file the return anyway This will reduce some of the penalties when you submit a request to the IRS for a payment plan, you will have a better chance of success if you let the IRS know you?ll pay the debt off within five years , but ideally within two years; The monthly payment you negotiate with irs should be equal to or higher than what the government believes it can garner from you from a negotiated agreement initiated by the IRS;The regular (usually monthly) tax payment you introduce to the IRS should be tied to existing IRS criteria. For example, you should subtract household expenses from your total income. Then cut a check for the difference to the IRS.




AND, how do I go back and file those years?=========>> If you need wage and income information to help prepare a past due return, complete Form 4506-T and check the box on line 8. You can also contact your employer or payer of income. If you are experiencing difficulty preparing your return, you may be eligible for assistance through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance or the Tax Counseling for the Elderly programs https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free...-by-volunteers

OR you may contact an IRS Enrolled agent/a CPA doingtaxes in your local area for your late fed/state returns.