Catching Up in Houston
Houston businesses fall behind for familiar reasons: a downturn that cut staff, a bookkeeper who left, a storm that closed the office or rapid growth that outran the records. The longer filings are missing, the more the penalties and interest grow, and the more likely it is that a state or federal notice arrives first. BOMCAS helps Houston businesses and households rebuild records, file what is missing and agree a way to pay, working remotely and in a clear order.
Franchise tax penalties and the voluntary disclosure programme are explained in back taxes and late filing in Texas. Below are the catch-ups we handle most in Houston.
Forfeited Entities
A company that misses its franchise tax report or Public Information Report can have its right to transact business forfeited by the Comptroller, and later its charter or registration forfeited by the Secretary of State. While forfeited, the company cannot sue in Texas courts, and officers and directors can become personally liable for some debts. Many Houston owners discover this when a bank, a buyer or a plant's vendor approval team checks the status. We file the missing reports, pay what is owed and request reinstatement.
Sales and Mixed Beverage Returns
Restaurants and bars that stopped filing sales or mixed beverage returns face penalties, interest and, in some cases, the loss of their alcohol permits. When tax was collected from customers but not sent in, it must be paid in full. The Comptroller's voluntary disclosure programme can waive penalties for businesses that come forward before being contacted, and limits the look-back period for tax that was not collected. We estimate the liability, decide whether a voluntary disclosure makes sense and prepare the returns.
Payroll Tax Gaps
Missed federal payroll deposits are serious because the withheld amounts are trust fund taxes, and the IRS can assess the trust fund recovery penalty against the people responsible for paying them. Missed TWC reports bring their own penalties and estimated assessments. We reconstruct payroll from bank records and pay stubs, file the missing Forms 941 and TWC reports, and request penalty relief where it applies.
Delinquent Property Tax
Property tax unpaid on February 1 starts gathering penalty and interest, and after July 1 a collection attorney's fee of up to 20 percent can be added. Business personal property that was never rendered can be assessed with a penalty. Harris County and other collectors offer payment agreements, and homeowners who are 65 or older or disabled may defer taxes on their homestead. We help organise the payment plan alongside the other catch-up work.
Unfiled Federal Returns
Individuals who lost a job, worked as contractors after a layoff or went through a divorce sometimes stop filing. The IRS may prepare a substitute return using only the income it knows about, with no deductions. We request IRS transcripts, prepare the missing returns with the correct deductions and set up an instalment agreement or other arrangement when the balance cannot be paid at once.
Our Order of Work
- Pull IRS transcripts and Comptroller account status.
- Rebuild bank-based records for each missing year.
- File the oldest and most urgent returns first.
- Request penalty relief and reinstatement where available.
- Set up payment plans and a monthly routine to stay current.
Houston Back Taxes and Late Filing Questions
Can a forfeited Houston company be reinstated?
Usually yes, once missing reports are filed and tax, penalties and interest are paid. The Comptroller and Secretary of State each have a step.
Is voluntary disclosure available for unfiled sales tax?
Yes, if you come forward before the Comptroller contacts you. Penalties can be waived, but tax collected from customers must be paid in full.
What happens if Harris County property tax is not paid?
Penalty and interest start on February 1, and an attorney's fee of up to 20 percent can be added after July 1.
Can the IRS file a return for me?
Yes, a substitute return using only reported income. Filing your own return with deductions usually lowers the balance.
Talk to BOMCAS About Back Taxes and Late Filing in Houston
Once current, bookkeeping, payroll and sales tax reviews keep you there, and business and personal returns return to a normal calendar. A plan sets cash aside, and missed foreign forms are handled under cross-border tax. Statewide, we also cover business tax preparation, personal tax preparation, sales and use tax, bookkeeping, payroll, tax planning and cross-border tax, all reachable from the Texas overview.
Tell BOMCAS about your Houston business or household and we will reply with next steps and what we need for a quote. Use the contact page or the form below, call 780-667-5250 or email info@bomcas.ca. Every Houston service is on the Houston overview. This page is general information, not advice for your situation.