The IRS can be easy to work with, but unless you’ve been notified by them I don’t know why you think they are going to rip into into you.
Take this time to start getting organized. If necessary, tell the IRS that you’d like to work through one year at a time because you’re overwhelmed and low on funds. They will also do payment plans.
State revenue departments vary. I’ve read that California can be particularly vicious.
I'm thinking they are going to rip into me because I haven't filed, either business or personal, in 3 years now. Are they going to let that go on forever?
Agreed, IRS for all their faults, usually isn’t out there attacking folks, they are fairly easy to deal with.... States can be absolute bastards, California as you mentioned are damn near mafia inspired in their tactics and behaviors.