It's only a criminal matter if the IRS thinks you broke the law deliberately. If it's the result of crappy record keeping or something you didn't understand th

It's only a criminal matter if the IRS thinks you broke the law deliberately. If it's the result of crappy record keeping or something you didn't understand they'll usually tack on some penalties and interest and call it a day. I know a guy who didn't even file for five or six years. Eventually he got a lawyer and made a deal which had him paying some fraction of his original tax liability. They'll put you in jail if you make them, but they don't really want to put you in jail. They just want your money. Oh, this guy? After getting his sweet deal he didn't actually pay them. I think he may end up in jail.