Here is a part of the trap that we are in by the IRS. If you are employed by a company, your taxes are withdrawn and sent to the IRS on each paycheck. So if you do not file a tax document, you will not retrieve any refund that you may be due. Also, the Medicare and SS payments are tied into that system to place more pressure on you to pay your taxes. It is a devious and effective because young workers want to earn their SS and Medicare points for their future. Older workers don't want to risk losing their money after many years of compliance. AND - many citizens simply do NOT understand their rights. Personally, I know a husband and wife who lost everything because he did not file income tax (while he was in prison for a DUI). His wife did not realize that it was her responsibility. When the IRS audited their account, they garnished salaries until the couple could no longer pay their mortgage. They ended up homeless for a couple of years. How do they get that back? THEY DON'T.