As responsible as most taxpayers in Oklahoma try to be, it’s not uncommon for a person to commit tax fraud unintentionally. In fact, the majority of taxpayers never intend to submit fraudulent tax returns. The best way to avoid a negative experience with the IRS is to be aware of some common mistakes people make when filing their tax returns. The following are several ways you could accidentally commit tax fraud.
Filing a return with incorrect information
You could accidentally commit tax fraud by failing to submit the proper forms or entering information incorrectly. For example, if you fail to enter the right Social Security number, you might face an audit in the future.
Not reporting all of your income
Most tax filers submit all of the information from their W-2 records. However, failing to report the extra money you made through freelancing or tips can come back to haunt you later on. If you have any other source of income on the side, you have to report the earnings. Otherwise, you might face hefty penalties if the IRS finds out.
Math errors
Many people who commit a white-collar offense never set out to do anything wrong. Unfortunately, many cases of accidental tax fraud happen because of simple math errors. That’s why it’s important to double-check your numbers before submitting your tax return. It’s easy to miscalculate data such as:
- Deductions
- Expenses
- Sources of income
Ways to reduce your risk of committing accidental tax fraud
Mistakes can potentially lead to expensive consequences. Take extra steps to ensure that your tax forms are completely accurate, and start by keeping good records so you know exactly what to claim. Since tax laws can be quite complicated, also consider seeking the help of an experienced tax professional. If you find yourself in legal trouble with the IRS, an attorney may help you understand your options.
