What should I do first?

YakimaWA
YakimaWA Member Posts: 1 Newcomer
in General

I owe for 2021 and 2022 (married joint) and owe a combined to total of $9815.00 for those years. File for hardship? I am definitely eligible. I'm trying to not do the advocate through the IRS.

I need to amend 2023 to married single (legally separated) I don't owe for 22 but I will get a refund back. If I'm calculating it correctly, close to $6000.00.

I need to file 2024 as married single and I should have close to $8000.00 in combined refund and credit (i think).

If I file my 2024 whatever my refund will be, will just go to them. I need the refund.

If I do all of this myself, what would my first step be? Does anyone know of someone who can help me do all this for low income?

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  • KristineS
    KristineS FreeTaxUSA Agent Posts: 220

    Hi YakimaWA,

    Thanks for your question.

    Let's clarify some language real quick to begin. There isn't a filing status of married single.

    If you're married on December 31st of any given year, you're considered Married Filing Joint (MFJ) or Married Filing Separate (MFS), which is probably what you mean and the status you will use. On limited occasions a married person can file as Head of Household (HoH). IRS Publication 501 has those details.

    I would recommend you amend your 2023 tax return first. Any refund from that will be used towards the 2021 and 2022 balances. It takes approximately 16 weeks for an amended return to process.

    Since you already have balance due for prior years, any subsequent tax return you file showing a refund will automatically be held by the IRS as you mentioned.

    If you're able to qualify for hardship status, such as Currently Not Collectible status (CNC), this means no enforcement action will take place while in the status, you won't need to pay the balance for a year, penalties and interest will continue to accrue, and any refund you're eligible for will automatically be used towards a balance due.

    Generally to enter CNC status, all tax returns must be filed first. However, since we're in the new tax season, the 2024 tax return is not due until April 15th.

    FreeTaxUSA can help you file your amended returns in our prior year software.

    If for some reason you may be filing due to injured spouse, I recommend you review this information to determine if that is the reason for amending.

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