IRS issues warning about tax scams in 2016
The IRS is warning taxpayers to avoid the temptation of falsely inflating deductions or expenses on their returns to under pay what they owe and possibly receive larger refunds.
The majority of taxpayers file honest and accurate tax returns on time every year. However, each year some fudge their information.
Claiming false deductions, expenses or credits on tax returns is on the “Dirty Dozen” tax scams list for the 2016 filing season.
“Taxpayers should file accurate returns to receive the refunds they are entitled to receive and shouldn’t gamble with their taxes by padding their deductions,” said IRS Commissioner John Koskinen.
The IRS is warning taxpayers to think twice before overstating deductions such as charitable contributions, padding their claimed business expenses or including credits that they are not entitled to receive.
Increasingly efficient automated systems generate most IRS audits. The IRS can normally audit returns filed within the last three years. Additional years can be added if substantial errors are identified or fraud is suspected.
Significant civil penalties may apply for taxpayers who file incorrect tax returns including:
- 20 percent of the disallowed amount for filing an erroneous claim for a refund or credit.
- $5,000 if the IRS determines a taxpayer has filed a “frivolous tax return,” which does not include enough information to figure the correct tax or that contains information clearly showing that the tax reported is substantially incorrect.
- In addition to the full amount of tax owed, a taxpayer could be assessed a penalty of 75 percent of the amount owed if the underpayment on the return resulted from tax fraud.
Taxpayers may even be subject to criminal prosecution for:
- Tax evasion
- Willful failure to file a return, supply information, or pay any tax due
- Fraud and false statements
- Preparing and filing a fraudulent return
- Identity theft.
Criminal prosecution could lead to additional penalties and even prison time.
