Have Never Filed Taxes...Good or Bad?

[nic23]

I've never filed an income tax return b/c I've always been a dependent until this year. Im 23. Ive been a full-time student and only worked part-time during the summer and some part-time work during the year. I never filed because my parents have always claimed me since I was a full-time student. From my w-2, one year, (last year) I made atleast 10,000 I think. I just never thought of filing since I was still a dependent, a full-time student, and it was only a temporary job. I just filed and my 341 is nov 1. Is this going to look really bad at the meeting? will I possibly get dismissed because of this??

Thanks!!

[newday]

did you file pro-se? I can't imagine an attorney would not address that. I could be mistaken, but I think the threshold is much lower for filing taxes than 10k (around 6k?) and it may not cause a direct problem with your bankruptcy, but it may bring up issues of income and expenses.

[Minnymouth]

Why have you not filed a tax return by age 23?? Even if you are a student and claimed on someones taxes you are still supposed to file a return.

Trustee will also want to know why?? And could dismiss you case, I believe....till you do file.

Besides, if you had filed past returns, most or all of the income tax you've had taken out would be refunded to you since you are a full time student and claimed by someone else.....

Something to think about,

Minny

[nic23]

Thanks for responding..I did file with a lawyer, He asked why I didn't file and I gave him the reasons I stated above. He just basically said to check on it to make sure I didn't owe any money, Im assuming that's what he meant by checking on it. Definitely all my income has went to my car and my 20,000+ a year school bills. Taxes definitely confuse me, but I know I'll have to learn to do it next year, as my parents are not going to claim me. But that is where it has went, since I first got a job in 2003, my first job ever, and 2 weeks later I got a car. Will I have to explain this to the trustee?

[Minnymouth]

Trustee may not accept your case until you do file your returns.....
They are not so concerned about where the money went as to 1. how much you made? 2. did you pay income taxes? 3. Are you entitled to a refund...?

You said your lawyer didn't seem to bothered by all of this... I would be..

Yes, I'm sure the Trustee will have "questions"....

Minny

[nic23]

Okay, Just got off the phone with the IRS!,(had a little time on my hands). they said I wasn't required to file for this year! so I guess that is good right? but I am working part-time now, for 2005, so I guess I won't worry about that until january?

[Minnymouth]

Sounds like today is your "lucky" day....

You should be okay then if IRS says you didn't have to file.... Just make sure the Trustee understands that also.

Minny