How can a business pay back taxes owed to the IRS?
Can a business file back taxes without records?
How can a business avoid accumulating back taxes in the future?
Back taxes refer to unpaid taxes that accumulate when tax returns aren’t filed on time or contain incorrect amounts, often accruing interest and penalties.
Businesses can pay back taxes through the IRS online portal, by phone, or by mail using a check or money order. If they're unable to pay in full, businesses can request an extension or an installment agreement. However, interest and penalties continue to accumulate until the balance is paid in full.
Businesses can file back taxes even if they don't have complete records of their past transactions. The IRS stores wage and income information, such as W‑2 Forms, for employees and previous tax return transcripts. Businesses can request them through the IRS website or by calling their transcript request line. They can also contact banks, clients, and payroll providers to recreate old records and use the available data to file back taxes.
Businesses can prevent back taxes by maintaining effective tax administration and filing tax returns and year-end tax forms on time, even if they cannot pay the full amount owed. They should maintain organized records and work with a tax professional to identify issues early and ensure compliance.
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