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It’s impossible to change your behavior without first changing your heart. But when you make an intentional effort, transformation is possible! Dr. Robert Jeffress outlines a detailed, biblical plan for the process of spiritual transformation.

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Did you hear about the guy who tried to pay his taxes with a smile? Unfortunately for him, the IRS still prefers cash.

All jokes aside, failing to file your taxes for several years is no small matter—but it’s not the end of the road, either. Kevin Cross joins us today with practical steps to help you get back on track.

Kevin Cross is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) who has headed CPA firms in Florida and now Georgia. He has studied the tax code extensively and specializes in representing taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

The further you fall behind, the more difficult it is to catch up. But rather than beginning with the year you first missed, he recommends filing your most recent return first—say, 2024—and working backward as needed. This shows the IRS that you’re attempting to come into compliance, not ignoring your obligations.

Falling behind on taxes is more common than most people think. Life events like divorce, disability, job loss, or even the rise of gig work can trigger tax complications. For example, many gig workers receive a 1099 for the first time, try to file using online software, and are shocked to discover they owe thousands. Rather than seek help, they freeze—and the following year’s return also goes unfiled.

Of course, COVID didn’t help as many people have been struggling since then to get back on track.

A common misunderstanding is that you must always file. If you’re not going to owe anything, you don’t have to file. That includes many senior citizens who live solely on Social Security.

However, if you're due a refund, you have up to three years to file and claim it. Miss that window, and the refund is forfeited.

Importantly, there’s a difference between not filing and not paying. Sometimes you don’t know what you owe—or if you owe—until you file.

Even if you don't owe taxes on the sale of a primary residence, for example, the IRS won't know that unless you file. If you don’t, you might receive a letter saying you owe thousands in capital gains tax—money you could’ve avoided paying.

If you're unsure how many years you've missed, a good first step is to request a Wage and Income Transcript from the IRS. This document shows all your reported income—W-2s, 1099s, Social Security, retirement distributions, and more. You can request it through the IRS website by searching for “IRS wage and income transcript.”

Even with transcripts in hand, deciphering them can be complicated. That’s why we strongly recommend seeking help from a CPA or tax professional familiar with IRS representation. You may not know what to do with what you find. You can find a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) in your area who specializes in tax planning and preparation by going to FaithFi.com and clicking “Find a Professional”. 

Also, it’s helpful to know that the IRS’s own handbook, the Internal Revenue Manual, usually requires only the last six years of returns to be filed. That’s a helpful limit for those unsure where to begin.

Don’t let fear keep you stuck. The IRS can work with you. Options include payment plans or even an offer in compromise, which may reduce your total tax liability.

Filing late taxes doesn’t have to be terrifying. With the right help and a step-by-step plan, you can get back on track—and even experience peace of mind. The IRS just wants to see you trying. Start with today, and take it one step at a time.

Combat veteran Chad Robichaux shares his stories of military heroism, which inspired his new novel Silent Horizons. He also talks about his testimony of healing from PTSD. Hear his encouragement and advice for reaching out to military Veterans.

Receive a copy of Silent Horizons with free audio download of “Supporting Our Heroes: Reaching Out to the Military Community " for your donation of any amount! Plus, receive member-exclusive benefits when you make a recurring gift today. Your monthly support helps families thrive.

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Our relationship with money reveals our true spiritual condition. One day, all that gives us security, including our money, will vanish. In this message from the book of James, Pastor Lutzer unveils five dangers surrounding wealth. What of our financial decisions would change if we truly believed it’s all from God?

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Today on Bold Steps … Pastor Mark Jobe helps us understand God’s transformative power. People are often in search of three things … riches, power … and hope.  And on the program, as we move forward in our brand-new series, When You Believe … Everything Changes … Mark is going to show us how we can find those three things … and so much more!  We’re in the book of Ephesians … chapter one, and our message is titled, What You Know Will Change You.

Bold Step Gift: Lies Boys Believe: And The Epic Quest For Truth

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The post “Is there a limit to God’s patience?” appeared first on Key Life.

Christians look to the day of the Lord with great anticipation. But Christ’s return will bring unspeakable horror to those whose faith is only a hypocritical show. Today, R.C. Sproul calls us to heed a sober warning from the book of Amos.

Request R.C. Sproul’s book Hard Sayings, plus lifetime digital access to his four teaching series on the hard sayings of Scripture, with your donation of any amount: https://gift.renewingyourmind.org/4094/donate
 
Live outside the U.S. and Canada? Request the ebook edition of Hard Sayings and digital access to all four teaching series with your donation of any amount: https://www.renewingyourmind.org/global

Gather with Christians around God’s Word at one of Ligonier’s upcoming events: https://www.ligonier.org/events
 
Meet Today’s Teacher:
 
R.C. Sproul (1939–2017) was founder of Ligonier Ministries, first minister of preaching and teaching at Saint Andrew’s Chapel, first president of Reformation Bible College, and executive editor of Tabletalk magazine.
 
Meet the Host:
 
Nathan W. Bingham is vice president of ministry engagement for Ligonier Ministries, executive producer and host of Renewing Your Mind, and host of the Ask Ligonier podcast.

Renewing Your Mind is a donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

It’s time to retire the myth that humans are 99% the same as chimps.  

Related Resource

What Would You Say?: Are Humans and Chimpanzees Basically the Same?

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