Back tax

What is back tax 

Back tax refers to any tax that has not been paid by its original due date. These unpaid taxes can apply to individuals or businesses and may include income tax, payroll tax, corporate tax, or other government-mandated contributions. Back taxes can accrue interest, penalties, and additional legal consequences over time if left unresolved.

What causes back taxes?

Back taxes can result from:

• Missed or delayed filings of tax returns
• Incorrect or incomplete tax payments
• Misclassification of workers (e.g., treating employees as contractors)
• Lack of awareness of tax obligations across jurisdictions (common in cross-border or remote setups)
  
  

What happens if back taxes go unpaid?

Failure to resolve back taxes can lead to:

• Accrued interest and financial penalties
• Wage garnishment or tax liens
• Loss of good standing with tax authorities
• In severe cases, legal action or business restrictions
  
  

For globally distributed teams, back tax issues may also trigger permanent establishment risks, local audits, or regulatory fines.

How can companies prevent back tax issues?

To avoid back tax liabilities, companies should:

• File taxes on time in every operating jurisdiction
• Classify workers correctly (especially employees vs. contractors)
• Use accurate payroll systems that calculate and remit taxes
  Stay updated on local tax laws when hiring internationally
  
  

How Remote can help 

Remote reduces the risk of back taxes with:

• Employer of Record (EOR) to handle local payroll, tax withholdings, and government reporting for employees in 75+ countries
  
  
• Contractor Management to onboard and pay international contractors with localised invoices, automated payments, and compliant documentation
  
  
• Global payroll and tax compliance that ensures timely payments and filings in every supported country
  
  

With Remote, you can confidently manage payroll and reduce compliance gaps. Explore how Remote can help you avoid back tax liabilities today.