The last chance to claim a 2009 Tax Refund Was April 15, 2013, but you can still file 2009 Taxes with RapidTax.
Yes, you can still file your 2009 taxes. However, the IRS has a statute of limitations that only allows you to get a refund for three years after the original due date of a return.
In other words, you can file your late 2009 tax return, but you won’t be able to claim your 2009 refund. The last day to file and get a 2009 refund was April 15, 2013. After this date, the government stopped issuing 2009 refunds, even though you’re technically still required to file a 2009 return.
If you weren’t expecting a 2009 refund and instead, have tax due, you’ll want to file your 2009 taxes as soon as possible.
IRS Statute Of Limitations
Unfortunately, though you only have three years to get a refund, the statute of limitations on the IRS collecting taxes due is ten years. So if you owe money, don’t think that you’ve successfully evaded the IRS. They still have 5 years to collect your tax due.
If you do owe the government money, you may have to pay a failure-to-file penalty, a failure-to-pay penalty, and interest. These penalties get larger for every day that your return is late, so it makes sense to file as soon as possible.
How To File 2009 Taxes Today
Many people who are late on their taxes automatically assume that they’ll be punished for it. However, if you were entitled to a refund, you won’t be facing penalties. After all, not being able to claim your refund is a punishment in itself. However, you should still file.
Unfortunately you won’t be able to e-file your 2009 return. E-file is only available between January and October for current year returns. This means that you’ll have to paper file your 2009 return.
You can still prepare your return online with RapidTax. To do so, create an account and enter your tax information. Then, we’ll do the hard work for you. After your return is prepared, you’ll simply print it out, sign, and mail it to the IRS yourself.
If you have any questions along the way, the RapidTax team is available via phone, chat and email!
Photo via Jérôme on Flickr.
Hi, I am in the process of resolving my 2010 taxes. I received an audit letter in the mail. I think it is very unfair that I cannot amend my 2010 taxes at this time. I have the necessary documents and receipts to correct the mistakes that were adjusted by the audit. I also think it is unfair to assess interest when resolving this matter by mail. What do I do next? Thank You.
Hi Chery,
I can definitely see why you are frustrated. Unfortunately, the rules placed by the IRS are pretty much set in stone. According to their rule, you have three years to amend a return from the original submit date or two years from the date you paid your tax; whichever is later. What I suggest doing moving forward is now looking into your other returns from 2012-current to make sure that this doesn’t happen again.
That sounds great but im also afraid of penalties and fees and after 10 years will they give me bk my return or will the IRS keep it.. ??
Hi I’m Teeya and I found my 2009 & 2010 w2’s in a bundle of mail my mom forgot to give me and I wanted to kno can I still file them? I’m not sure what to do at this.. It feels way, way to late…
Hi Teeya,
Yes, you can still file your 2009 and 2010 tax returns. The IRS has up to 10 years to claim any tax you owe, so it’s a good idea to get caught up.
You won’t have to search around for the 2009 and 2010 tax forms. Instead, you can prepare your late tax returns online with RapidTax. To do so, create an account by selecting 2009 from the “Tax Year” drop down menu. Enter your 2009 tax information, pay and submit.
Then, you can prepare your 2010 tax return with your same RapidTax USER ID by selecting 2010 from the “Tax Year” drop down menu on the Sign In page. Once you’ve submitted your information, our team will review and prepare the return for you. You will then print, sign and mail your tax return to the IRS.
If you need any help, feel free to reach out to the RapidTax team by phone, email or chat support. We’re here to help!
Best of luck getting caught up!
I dont remember if.I filled 2012-2013 w2s os there any way to check ? Also if I havent done th.can.I do them.now they are w2 for.unemployment so im.not sure what to.do.please help.I dont want any penalties or.dont want to get in trouble thank yoi
Hi Jessica,
You can definitely file your prior year tax returns on Rapidtax.com. Just create an account to get started. If you do not remember if you filed already, I suggest contacting the IRS. You will be transferred to a representative who can assist you and let you know which years you have not yet filed for. If you are being proactive about filing, you will be much less likely to incur any penalties.
I didn’t file my 2009 taxes because I was lazy (no other excuse). I received several notices from the IRS to file, so I did. I mailed my return in August 2013 and I was supposed to get a refund of $3,000.00. The IRS sent me check for $3,000.00 in November 2013. In September 2014 I received a letter from the IRS stating that I have to give them the money back because they made a mistake and gave me a refund after the 3 year filing deadline. I am wondering if I can get out of paying the money back or am I out of luck?
Hi Greg,
They clearly are the ones who made the mistake. However, keep in mind that when you file your taxes in the future, your refund may be withheld by the IRS since they have informed you that you now owe them the $3,000.00.