Multiple Years

[Harvey Lucas]

Have a client who has not filed since 2005.

Need to file his 06, 07, 08 and 09.

In the past, when this happens, I have always had clients send the returns in seperate envelopes, certified mail of course.

However, I was wondering what other practicioners think on how to best do this?

Can we/should we file them all in one envelope so that IRS processing center gets them all at one time?

Or it it better to file them in seperate envelopes?

Opinions please.

Harvey Lucas

[JohnH]

I vote for separate envelopes, each certified mail with return receipt.
I'd also write the client name, form #, and year on each return receipt.

[JG EA]

I'm doing an NOL return and a Form 1045. I was surprised to see that the instructions for the 1045 said to send them in a separate envelopes but to the same address. So apparently the IRS can't handle two different things in the same envelope.

[PIGLEE]

I have had people send 3 returns in one envelope, and more than once IRS has only processed only the return on top. If you want to send them all together, put each in a separate envelope, then put all 3 envelopes in one larger envelope, and send them all all together. THAT WORKS.

[joanmcq]

I've had back filers take the return directly to the local IRS office. If you take a copy of the front page of the return, it will be stamped at the office with the date of filing. That serves as the receipt of filing, much like the e-file ACK does. Much better than a return receipt from the mail.

[Davc]

I have had people send 3 returns in one envelope, and more than once IRS has only processed only the return on top. If you want to send them all together, put each in a separate envelope, then put all 3 envelopes in one larger envelope, and send them all all together. THAT WORKS.

Usually......

[taxdude71]

I've sent many returns in the same envelope and never had problems. I think it has to do with the amount of mail volumne the IRS is recieving. During peak, I'll send them in seperate envlopes.

[Harvey Lucas]

Thanks

Thanks everyone.

I think in this case I will send them all together in one envelope.

I marked on the outside of the envelope that it contains multiple years.

If they mess up we will just send them again.

Returns are already way late, we will know in 30 to 60 days if they acknowledge receipt of all years.

I suppose tho in other cases I probably would be inclined to use the seperate mailing for each method.

I will post if we have any problems with the one I just mailed.

Thanks again,
Harvey Lucas

[travis bickle]

My two cents

Thanks everyone.

I think in this case I will send them all together in one envelope.

I marked on the outside of the envelope that it contains multiple years.

If they mess up we will just send them again.

Returns are already way late, we will know in 30 to 60 days if they acknowledge receipt of all years.

I suppose tho in other cases I probably would be inclined to use the seperate mailing for each method.

I will post if we have any problems with the one I just mailed.

Thanks again,
Harvey Lucas

I still vote for separate envelopes because the IRS will often use the postmarked envelope as proof of date of submission. One envelope with multiple returns will not do that.

Since other folks have said the one envelope works, I guess I am being over-cautious. But, why not?

[joanmcq]

I've had clients come in because of non-filing issues and it turned out they used the one-envelope method. I will not recommend it just to save some postage.

[JohnH]

I forgot to fasten my seat belt when I drove to work yesterday. Nothing bad happened, but that's no reason for me to keep taking that unnecessary risk every time I get in my car.

[FEDUKE404]

My 2¢ worth

I guess you could put this into the category of "I don't need insurance on my house 'cause it's never been struck by lightning" but........

Putting multiple tax returns into the same mailing envelope is just asking for potential trouble.

How much extra, even at (unneeded) FedEx rates, could a couple of more envelopes cost????

FE

[Burke]

I once had a TP send estimated taxes in one envelope for both his (minor) daughter and his son's returns. Separate checks, separate vouchers. All completed correctly with each SSN on each separate check. You guessed it. All applied to son's account and it took us a year to straighten it out.

[Kram BergGold]

Never say Never but....

Never send mutiple returns in one envelope. The IRs will staple all together and only porcess one of them.

[newbie]

I put each year in a separate envelope and mark the type of return and year on the outside of the envelope just as if they would send it to the IRS. Then I have them take all of the individual envelopes and put them in one large envelope and mail together. When IRS receives the returns they can't just staple the returns together as one, but have to open each year individually.