Dallas, TX asked in Bankruptcy for Florida

Q: When filing personal bankruptcy do you have to provide copies of past two years federal returns?

If so what if you have not filed them?

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3 Lawyer Answers

A: Yes. If you haven’t filed them, you need to get them filed asap or the bankruptcy will be halted until you do file them.

James L. Arrasmith
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Answered

A: When filing for personal bankruptcy, you typically need to provide copies of your federal tax returns for the past two years. This requirement helps the court assess your financial situation and make informed decisions regarding your case.

If you have not filed your tax returns for these years, it's important to address this issue as soon as possible. Not having filed can complicate the bankruptcy process. You might consider consulting with a tax advisor or attorney who can help you understand your options and obligations. Filing your overdue returns can be a crucial step in moving forward with your bankruptcy.

Overall, while the requirement for tax returns is a standard part of the bankruptcy process, not meeting it doesn't necessarily block your path to filing. However, it does mean you need to take immediate action to rectify the situation to ensure a smoother process and to comply with all legal requirements.

A: If you are not required to file tax returns, you will need to provide the trustee with an affidavit as to why you are not required to do so. If you are required to file returns, you should file them as quickly as possible. If you do not know whether you are required to file, you should consult a tax expert. If you owe taxes, they are generally not dischargeable in bankruptcy.

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