I often joke that I pay my taxes because I don’t want the Internal Revenue Service to take my home. But for many people that fear is still not enough to make them file a tax return.

In most cases, people don’t file returns because they don’t have the money they owe, says Lynn Schmidt, a tax practitioner based in Winter Haven, Fla.

“What they are doing is living beyond their means,” Schmidt said. “When tax time comes they figure, ‘I don’t have the money so I’m not going to file.’ That thinking is wrong because there is also a penalty for late filing. If you just file the return you eliminate one of the penalties.”

If taxes are owed, a delay in filing may result in penalty and interest charges that could increase your tax bill by 25 percent or more.

So what should you do if you haven’t filed in a while?

You might start by contacting an enrolled agent, who is licensed by the federal government to represent taxpayers before the IRS during audits, and for collections and appeals. To find an agent in your area call (800) 424-4339 or visit the National Association of Enrolled Agents Web site at www.naea.org. Click on the link for “Find an Enrolled Agent.”

According to the association, if you haven’t filed a return here’s what you should know:

¢ If you have a valid reason for not filing a tax return, such as you have been ill, it is possible that some of the penalties can be reduced.

¢ If you owe money and can’t pay it at once, you can ask for an installment agreement. If you owe less than $25,000 and can pay the full amount within five years, you may be able to set up a monthly payment plan.

¢ If you owe so much money that you will never be able to pay your tax liability, an enrolled agent may be able to work out a compromise where the IRS will accept less than you actually owe.

You might be scared to file but frankly, the alternative is worse. File your return even if you aren’t sure how you’ll pay. I know I would because the IRS doesn’t play. I certainly wouldn’t want to give up my house for a stint in a jailhouse.