During tax season, the IRS is always prepared to catch taxpayers in their lies and take note of them for the following years. Although chances of being audited are rare, it can still happen and there will be consequences if a taxpayer has been caught being dishonest. This article will discuss 6 common lies told by taxpayers on income tax returns and how the IRS finds out.
1. Falsely claiming a dependent
Claiming a false dependent is one of the common lies told by taxpayers, which is a serious offense that can result in harsh penalties. The IRS takes this issue very seriously and will investigate any suspicious claims. It’s important to understand the rules for claiming dependents so you don’t put yourself in this type of situation. To be eligible as a dependent, the person must meet certain criteria, such as being related to you, living with you for at least half the year, and not having earned more than the standard deduction amount. Additionally, they must be claimed as a dependent on only one person’s tax return. If you are unsure whether or not someone qualifies as a dependent, it is best to consult a tax professional before filing your taxes.
2. Falsely claiming a home office expense
Taxpayers should be aware that the IRS closely monitors home office deductions and any suspicious claims could trigger an audit. For those who do have a legitimate home office, it’s important to know and follow the rules when filing taxes. First, the space must be exclusively used for business purposes, such as running a business or storing inventory. Second, you must use it regularly, meaning that it must be used more often than not. Lastly, the space must be used only for business activities and cannot be used for personal activities. Honesty is always the best policy when filing taxes, and taxpayers should never lie or exaggerate expenses.
3. False charitable contributions
False charitable contributions occur when taxpayers claim expenses that don’t qualify as charitable deductions in an effort to lower their taxable income. Examples of this include donating clothing or household items that are significantly worn or used, claiming donations for non-cash items with inflated values, and claiming donations for non-qualifying organizations. To ensure you don’t mistakenly or intentionally make a false charitable contribution and become subject to penalties, it’s important to understand the rules and regulations on donations. Charitable contributions must be made to qualified organizations and must be documented with a receipt. When in doubt, the IRS offers a searchable database of qualified organizations and outlines the general rules for making charitable contributions.
4. Underreporting income
Underreporting income is a serious lie that can have dire consequences if not addressed properly. This can be done in a variety of ways, including not reporting cash payments, understating the value of goods or services, or inflating deductions and credits. While it may seem like a good idea for taxpayers to underreport their income to save money on taxes, it can quickly become a problem when taxes are due. The IRS has sophisticated methods for detecting underreporting, and those who are caught can face penalties, such as fines and even possible criminal prosecution.
5. Falsely claiming residency in another state
Another common lie told by taxpayers is claiming a state they don’t actually live in, which is a form of tax fraud. Claiming residency in a state that has a lower income tax rate than one’s true state of residence is a way that taxpayers attempt to lower their tax liability. In order to correctly claim residency in another state, taxpayers must prove that they have permanently moved to the other state and have severed all ties with the original state. Failing to do so can lead to serious consequences, such as being liable for back taxes, interest, and penalties. To avoid these penalties, taxpayers should always report their true place of residence on their tax returns and be sure to file their taxes in the correct state.
6. Marital status dishonesty
Taxpayers who decide to lie about their marital status when filing taxes are making a big mistake. This could be either omitting or providing false information about their marital status in order to receive a larger deduction — if married filing jointly. Reporting a single status when both spouses are married is also a form of dishonesty that can result in underreporting of income. Be honest and responsible when filing your taxes and avoid any potential trouble with the government.
What should I do if I mistakenly lied on my tax return?
If you have accidentally made a mistake on your tax return, the most important thing to do is to take action immediately. The longer you wait to address the issue, the greater the potential consequences could be. It’s best to contact the IRS as soon as possible and explain the situation. You may also want to contact a tax professional who can help you understand what steps to take. Depending on your particular situation, you may need to file an amended return or submit additional documentation.
Conclusion
These are just a few of the common types of lies that taxpayers tell on their income tax returns. As stated previously, you should avoid them no matter how appealing they seem. Taxpayers who are honest will have no worries and can wait patiently on their tax refund.
