Missed Filing Tax Returns

My husband and I live in Georgia. He has missed several years of filing taxes. We were married in 2000. This is the first year he has filed in years. We filed separately for the 2000 tax year. With him filing for 2000, will it send up a red flag to be audited? Will the IRS come after me also because we are married? If we go back and file for those past years but will need to setup a payment plan, what forms need to be filed with the tax returns?

I NEED HELP!!!!!

If you filed tax returns for yourself for those years, you should have no problem. You would generally be liable only if you filed a joint return with him, and then there are some exceptions to that.

His filing for the first time in years probably will set up a red flag, but I have seen situations where there was no audit after that. A lot depends on how the return is processed and the amount of income it shows. In a situation like his, it is always a good idea to get professional tax help.

If you cannot pay the full amount due with your return, you can ask to make monthly installment payments. However, you will be charged interest and may be charged a late payment penalty on the tax not paid by April 16, 2001, even if your request to pay in installments is granted. If your request is granted, you must also pay a fee. To limit the interest and penalty charges, pay as much of the tax as possible with your return. But before requesting an installment agreement, you should consider other less costly alternatives, such as a bank loan. To ask for an installment agreement, use Form 9465, Installment Agreement Request. You should receive a response to your request within 30 days. But if you file your return after March 31, it may take longer for a reply. Download the form at: [url]http://www.irs.ustreas.gov/forms_pubs/index.html[/url]