Submit your tax return by the date due (or extension date), even if you can’t pay the tax. You will be charged interest and penalty on your late payment but avoid a hefty late-filing penalty. Whether or not you expect to eventually pay the tax, do file on time. It is also important to file one time because the IRS has only 10 years from the date of assessment to collect your delinquent taxes, and taxes are not assessed until after you file or after the IRS files for you. If you have not filed a tax return, you have not started the statute of limitations for that particular tax year. This means that there is no limit to the amount of time that the IRS can pursue you. In addition, if you have any delinquent tax returns, the IRS will not negotiate with you. You must be current with your filing for the IRS to consider an Offer or even an Installment Agreement.