Haven't Filed Your Taxes in Years? Let's Fix That!


If you have one, three, or even ten years of unfiled tax returns, you're not alone — and your situation is more fixable than you think. Adam Brewer is a California tax attorney who helps non-filers come back into compliance with the IRS and the California FTB, without judgment and without unnecessary penalties.

  • Attorney-Client Privilege
  • Statewide Representation
  • Licensed to practice in U.S. Tax Court
  • California Specific Knowledge (FTB, EDD, CDTFA)
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Filing Compliance By The Numbers

5

Step Process to Get You Compliant

30

Days From Filing Compliant

$0

Initial Consultation Fee

What Happens If You Keep Putting This Off


The IRS Files For You — and It's Worse

If you don't file, the IRS may prepare a Substitute for Return (SFR) using only the income reported under your SSN, with zero deductions, no spouse, and no dependents. The tax bill is almost always far higher than what you'd actually owe.

You Lose Refunds You Were Owed

Refunds expire. You generally have only three years from the original due date to claim a refund. Every April that passes, money you were owed becomes money the government keeps.

Wage Garnishment & Bank Levies

Once the IRS or FTB has a balance on the books, they have powerful collection tools. Wages can be garnished, bank accounts frozen, and California can suspend professional licenses for unpaid tax debts.

Penalties Compound — Fast

Failure-to-file penalties accrue at 5% per month, up to 25%, plus failure-to-pay penalties and interest on top. A modest tax bill can double in a few years of inaction.

Meet Tax Attorney Adam Brewer

Adam Brewer is the founder of AB Tax Law APC and represents California taxpayers in front of the IRS and the California Franchise Tax Board. His practice is focused on non-filers, back tax resolution, audit defense, and tax collection matters — the situations most general practitioners shy away from.


The firm operates from downtown San Diego and represents clients throughout the entire state of California.


  • LLM in International Tax from Texas A&M
  • Licensed attorney — State Bar of California
  • Licensed attorney — State Bar of Hawaii
  • Practice focused on tax controversy and resolution
  • Direct representation before the IRS and California FTB, EDD, and CDTFA


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You Are Not Alone.

Most of our clients never intended to fall behind on filing their taxes and a few common reason are mentioned repeatedly.

Health

Family

Support Staff

Business Loss

Overwhelm

Unable to Pay

From F*cked to Filed in 30 Days

The straight-talking playbook I walk my own clients through — how someone with years of unfiled returns can get back into compliance with the IRS and California in 30 days without panic and without overpaying.


  • How to figure out which years actually need to be filed
  • How to recreate your records
  • How to file a return that won't get audited
  • How to keep IRS and State out of your bank account and away from your pay check
  • How resolve any tax balances due if it is ultimately more than you can afford to pay.

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Common Questions From Non-Filers

  • Will I go to jail for not filing?

    For the vast majority of non-filers, no. Criminal prosecution for failure to file is rare and is typically reserved for the most egregious cases — usually involving large dollar amounts, affirmative acts of fraud, or repeated willful conduct after warnings. The IRS prefers voluntary compliance. Coming forward through an attorney is the safest path.

  • How many years back do I need to file?

    RS Policy Statement 5-133 generally treats filing the last six years of returns as sufficient to bring a non-filer into compliance, but the actual answer depends on your facts — whether the IRS already filed substitute returns, whether you have refunds at stake, and what the state tax agencies are doing. We review your account history before recommending an approach.

  • I don't have my old W-2s or 1099s. Can you still help?

    Yes — and most clients are in exactly this situation. We obtain your wage and income transcripts directly from the IRS, which contain copies of nearly every W-2, 1099, 1098, and similar form filed under your SSN for  last 10 years. That record direct from the IRS combined with what documents you have access to is usually enough to file accurate returns.

  • What if I owe more than I can possibly pay?

    That's expected, and it's solvable. Once the returns are filed, the IRS and FTB offer real resolution options — installment agreements, offers in compromise, currently-not-collectible status, and penalty abatement. We choose the option that fits your finances and is likely to be accepted by the IRS and State to get your tax case across the finish line.

  • Do State tax agencies work the same as the IRS?

    Similar in spirit, different in execution. State tax agencies have their own non-filer enforcement program, its own substitute-for-return process, and its own collection tools — including the ability to suspend professional and driver's licenses for unpaid tax debts. State tax cases need to be handled in parallel with the federal case, not as an afterthought.

  • How much does it cost to hire you?

    Fees depend on the number of years involved, the complexity of the income, and what resolution work is needed after filing. We quote a fee in writing after the consultation so you know the full anticipated cost before engaging the firm. The consultation itself is free.