at sea over unfiled back taxes

[kaytlu]

What is the name of your state? TX

I have not worked outside the home since 1999. I was hurt at work & went through the worker's comp process. Was awarded the full time allowed for disability payments then an extension, but when I filed for disability I was denied.

I have since learned that TX denies the majority of disability claims straight across the board & I should have talked to a lawyer, but this is all hindsight now.

Anyway, I couldn't find work in my old field (clerical/computer) because I was unable to sit at a desk all day, or even for several hours in a row.

So, I went to live with my brother and started doing craftwork on & off at home. I can do this from my recliner and take long breaks whenever I need to. I have sold my crafts at events and through ebay but never really considered myself a "buisness." I never got a DBA or tax license # or anything.

So... My medical condition has gotten worse. I have another craftsperson acquaintance who filed for disability a few years ago after a home accident and he told me that he had to file back taxes to have the work credits to file for disability.

Now I'm wondering if I should file back taxes? I know that I have gained no official work credits since I have been more or less invisible to the powers that be.

I have never actually earned any sort of outstanding sums with my crafts. Mostly they just paid for food, new tennis shoes and gas/motel bills to the next event. My brother, bless his heart, has taken care of my basic shelter requirements by having me live with him.

So do I owe the IRS any blood money? Will filing back taxes bring any benefits, (such as being able to refile for disability) or will it just bring me a new lapful of headaches?