I have an old situation that I am not sure if it going to be worth trying to fix or just paying it and getting on with life.

Additionally, if I can fix it, suggestions on where to start would be greatly appreciated.

In May 1993 I moved from California to Texas. California has state taxes, Texas does not.

I had not filed my 1992 taxes by the time I left and lost all of the paperwork. I didn't file in California for 1993 since I had not lived the state for more than 6 months out of the year.

Since then, I filed my federal for 1992 and took what they estimated for 1993 because the business I have worked for in California had gone out of business and I never got a W-2 for that year. I hadn't kept my last paystub either.

I eventually got the federal taxes paid and am close to paranoid about getting things filed on time now.

About three years ago I started the process of cleaning up my credit and found a judgement from the state of California for $1500.00 in taxes, penalties etc.

First of all, I never got a notice that this was being sent to judgment, but I am not sure it would have made a difference. I am sure they estimated me as single with no dependents when the previous 4 years I had filed as head of household and had ALWAYS gotten a refund.

I have recently found the paperwork for 1992 again, is it too late to file a return for that year? I can't file one for 1993 but I shouldn't owe anything since I was only in the state for 4 ½ months that year. How would I address this and let the state know.

I have heard absolute horror stories about dealing with the state of California and taxes so I wasn't sure if it wouldn't be best to just pay it and go on with life. However, that being said, I am not even sure how to go about paying the judgement and making sure it shows paid on my report. I understand it will be on my credit report for 7 years after I pay the judgement.

Any help or advice will be greatly appreciated.

Trill