<prompt> Human: I got a letter in the mail from the IRS saying I owe them for a 2009 tax return. Back in 2009 I lived with my parents and my dad did the tax paperwork for me. In 2010 I joined the Army and spent the last 5 years overseas in Germany. Almost instantly upon my return and changing my address to the states again, I got hit with this letter. My state in 2009 CA already levyd and deducted from my bank account, the IRS hasnt yet and I also havent been able to get in touch with them yet - yay for holidays.The original return had me owing 2,843 according to my letter I was an independent contractor. Im also being hit for 640 for failure to file, 710 for failure to pay, and 677 for interest charges.Additional information: This is the first time Ive heard about this. I never received any notice while stationed overseas about taxes. My parents told me I never got any mail from the IRS either. My dad is looking to see if he has the return from 2009 still, but doesnt usually keep records past 5 years.I need help, I dont know what to do and the amount I owe is over double what I make every month. If they levy my account or garner my wages my family and I will go down. We live paycheck to paycheck like the majority of the military.Please, rpersonalfinance youre my only hope! Let me know any additional information you require.Assistant: The original return had me owing 2,843 So where is the money that you paid in 2009? OR is the reason you didnt file was because you owed money and said forget it, Im going to skip to Germany for the next 5 years? Because that cost you 640 more for failing to file.Contact the IRS and get on a payment plan. If they garnish your wages they are going to take over 30 of your paycheck.Human: My dad tells me he definitely filed and paid, but back then I was idiotic and didnt check up on it. I dont suspect he has any reason to lie about it, he makes plenty of money.edit since you edited yours after my comment: No I didnt say forget it lemme bounce to Germany. Germany wasnt a choice, it was orders from the Army - I had no say in the matter. Im not coming here with some elaborate made up story, Im here to find out what to do.  <response>: Then there should be a canceled check some place or a bank record of the transaction. 