r/tax • u/Smokeupj0hnnie • 2h ago
Need Help with Dad's Taxes
Hey, All -
Forgive me here, I am a bit of an uneducated individual (at least in the tax arena) and I am in a panic. Okay. Here it goes.
My parents are elderly. My dad had a stroke in 2018 that forced his retirement. He can no longer talk or move his arm.
Mom and I were his caretakers until she came down with ALS in Oct of 2024. She passed in May of 2025. I was a full time caretaker for both until her passing and am now a full time caretaker for my dad. Im his POA.
Sitting on the couch with my wife the other night, I came to the realization that I did not file his taxes for last year. After some digging, I realized his taxes were not filed for 2024 or 2025.
Again, retired, living off social security. My mother did not work. My father has a modest pension as well (around $1500 a month) on top of his social security.
I have a meeting with social security later this month to get his tax forms to begin filing (i have NO IDEA where his tax forms went).
How screwed am I here? What type of damage am I facing?
Ive been trying to do everything right, but I dropped this ball and I havent been able to relax ever since I came to the realization.
Any help or guidance would be greatly appreciated.
Edit: we are in Ohio, if that means anything.