[USER]

A few years ago, I left a physically abusive marriage with a newborn and a 2 year old.

I was focused on survival while severely depressed. I moved states and for some reason, filed my federal taxes electronically but was unable to do so for my new state.

I prepared everything and was going to print and send but I never did that.

I was burnt out and couldn’t manage to do anything other than keeping my children alive.

Fast forward to 4-5 years, I rebuilt my life and career then moved back to my home state and then to Europe.

This week I received an email from the tax office of the state asking me about taxes for that year.

To say that I’m panicking is an understatement.

I don’t know what to do.

I’m not even in America anymore and I don’t have the money to pay the taxes.

All my savings are in my 401-k account. What do you suggest I do.

Many thanks!
Edit to say: this tax is not from the IRS but from the state.

[Shane]

First…. Deep breathe it’s going to be ok.
Second…

find a professional who can file in that state and hire them to help you.

EA’s are less expensive than CPA’s
Third …

it’s going to be ok!!!!!

[Elizabeth]

So proud of you for leaving a bad situation. You saved yourself, so you have proven that you can do hard things.

Good work!

Take some deep breaths and you got this

[Lori]

First and foremost, take a deep breath! I will just warn you that tax email scams are common.

It’s possible that it’s not even related.

I would google the state tax office for your state and see if the phone number is the same.

Whatever you do, I wouldn’t call it directly from the email, and more importantly, don’t click on any links in the email.

You could reach out to the state yourself, it’s possible you don’t even owe any money.

Many people are owed refunds, so that wouldn’t be out of the realm.

Either way, put a plan in place, don’t panic and take it one step at a time.

We all make mistakes, this too can be resolved, but it will take some time and effort.

[Bill]

It’ll work out… take a deep breath. Do you owe money to the state or are you just needing to file a return to square things up?

If you think you owe, get a tax professional to review and assist you through this.

You’re not the first to forget and you won’t be the last

[Kristen]

Those billings are often estimated, you need to file a return to get an accurate balance.

Most states don’t use email as their method of contact, usually it would be a letter.

I would call the State Department of Revenue directly, do not click any link in the email or call any numbers in the email.

[Sarah]

This is about state taxes? How much do they say you owe? Can you have a cpa take a look at your taxes to verify it the balance is legit?

[张扬]

Please try not to panic. The government moves at a snails pace, so nothing bad is going to happen anytime soon–assuming this is legitimate.

Take your time to gather all the facts, then assess your options, and post back if you need to bounce ideas off other people.

The worst the state can do is probably charge you a penalty consisting of interest on unpaid taxes, so it’s not the end of the world.

What state is this, if you feel comfortable enough sharing?

[Susan]

Ok. This is manageable. I can think of several options. The first is to go see someone at the American Embassy in your current country.

A lowly clerk might be able to help you through what to do and how to do it.

You should also be able to get connected online to your state’s tax office. They do respond to emails.

It’s amazing as another option what a simple Google search can bring you.

All you have to do is respond, explain the situation, and set up a reasonable payment plan.

Best of luck

[Geph]

Fuck it, stay in Europe. Nobody going over seas to collect taxes

[Rachel]

The good thing is that the IRS will totally do payment plans

I had a family member set up a payment plan for something like 150/mo for a 10k plus balance, so it can be not too horrible.

[Cindy]

Oh! And by the way….the IRS doesn’t send emails. I don’t know about which state but most states communicate only by mail.

Have a CPA in your state pull your returns and go from there.

Could be a scam.

[Jenifer]

You owed that much in state taxes? I would call them and see about a payment arrangement.

I don’t like owing a debt, especially to the government.

[Rachel]

Leaving a physically abusive situation is such an achievement in itself – that kind of stress leaks everywhere, hope you’re okay now

tax-wise, I’d recommend talking to a tax expert.

My guess is they’ll suggest remedying the back taxes with a payment plan – this can sound daunting, but if you’re paying consistently, even a small amount, the IRS will view you as trying to remedy the problem.

If you need a tax accountant referral, I have two I can provide you (one is U.S. based and one is in Europe

[Ann]

It’s OK. You can file and there will be some penalties. Nothing too crazy.

[Cathie]

Legal researcher here
First off don’t panic. Contact them. File your forms from that year and if owe- ask to be put on a payment plan

[Melissa]

Mistakes happen. I would call the state and claim ignorance. Ask how to make it right.

You are not the first (or last person) who this has happened to.

Don’t beat yourself up, these things happen.

Heck, I’m an accountant and forgot to file my local taxes a few years ago! States are much less of a big deal than federal.

You’ll be okay

[Author]

Posts