I filed late - how bad is it?

Penalties double if you've done this before.

Is this you?

  • My return was filed after the deadline
  • I owed tax
  • This isn't the first time

"It's just a small fee."

Late filing penalties start at 5% plus 1% per month. If you were late in any of the previous three years, the penalty doubles to 10% plus 2% per month.

Why guessing is risky

  • Penalties escalate quickly
  • Interest compounds
  • Repeated behavior triggers harsher treatment

Safe to ignore if

  • No tax was owed
  • Filing was on time

Stop and check if

  • Tax was owed
  • Late filing occurred before

Resolve the doubt

Calculate my late-filing cost (2 minutes)

We'll tell you if this needs reporting and what to do next.

"Most people learn how to limit penalties before they grow."