Better late than never

If you have not yet filed your 2001 income tax return and you did not file for an extension, file your return now.  If you owe money on the return, the penalty for late filing will continue to grow until you file.

You should file your tax return even if you can't pay all the tax you owe.  By filing on time, you avoid the late filing penalty on the tax owed of 5% per month, up to a maximum of five months.  To eliminate additional 5% per month late filing penalties, file now.  By paying as much of the amount you owe as possible, you'll reduce the amount of interest and late payment penalty charges.

If you cannot pay the full amount of tax due with your return, you can ask to make monthly installment payments to the IRS.  You will be charged interest and late payment penalties on any tax not paid by April 15.  But at least you will not be paying additional 5% per month penalties for not filing.

If you haven't filed your return, the problem will not go away by itself.  File your return, and if you can't pay the tax owed, inform the IRS of your current financial situation.