<prompt> Human: I found out that my wifes dad is over 80K in tax debt to the state of California. He lost his business and the house my wife grew up in during the recession. Now hes in his mid 60s and, coupled with his poor English skills, hes given up on working and relies on his 3 kids including my wife to provide some funds for him to live off. He has also been more or less living in Asia for the past few years where his cost of living is dramatically lower Thats why hes been living there. As an American citizen, he only seems to come back to the US when he needs too. I saw him not long ago and Im worried about the guy. I suggested that he should consider filing for bankruptcy, though I dont know too much about that process or if it might get him out of trouble here. He seems content with just ignoring the issue and to just live out most of his days in Asia, but I dont think thats the best course of action and dont know what repercussions he may suffer. Is this considered tax evasion? Could he go to jail for this? Its worth hammering the point that he has no money to his name or property. Hes completely broke. What should he do? Should he file for bankruptcy? He told me that he doesnt have any money for a lawyer or all that might entail with that process. Are there free or next to free lawyers that do this kind of work? Is he okay just ignoring it? He seems to have been getting away with it for years since the recession.I wanted to know what rpersonalfinance thought of the situation.Thanks!  <response>: hes given up on working No. Seriously, no. This isnt the answer here especially if hes got nothing. He needs to work at least a part time job. I dont think bankruptcy is the smart move here. I do think speaking to an enrolled agent who can work with him on an offer in lieu is a smart move. Its entirely possible that CA would accept 10k to settle the entire debt. He needs to be in a position to pay that. Frankly, it seems like the guy wont even return to the US. As a point of interest - did he pay into social security when he was working? Is he currently collecting social security payments? 