Self-employed client needs years '17, '18, '20, and '21 filed. How far back can we file taxes for self employed individuals?

[JOSEJARAG]

Self-employed client needs years '17, '18, '20, and '21 filed. How far back can we file taxes for self employed individuals? They will definitely have to pay, but they want to be able to write off their expenses?

[Skylane]

Take a retainer but yes, they can write off their expenses. IRS will assess P&I…any chance there’s a revenue agent involved?

[dkh]

Did they file the 2019 so they could get stimulus money? 

[taxes96786]

Returns are open with IRS generally for 10 years. After 3 years they may not get the refund but, if they owe, they will have penalties for failure to file, failure to pay and interest.

Absolutely get a retainer that will cover prep and filing fees before you do any prep.

[sjrcpa]

The statute doesn't start to run until you file.

[sjrcpa]

@JOSEJARAG As of today, you can efile 2022, 2021, and 2020 2022. Earlier years need to be paper filed.

[abctax55]

Susan... what about 2020 ?  🤣

[BobKamman]

Why does the client "need" these?  Is there an immigration issue involved?