I’m sure none of my readers fudge on their income taxes, but maybe you know someone else who plays fast and loose with the IRS rules.  The agency’s Oversight Board conducts an annual survey and when they asked about cheating last year, 13 percent indicated it was OK.  That’s up 4% from 2008.  Four percent indicated they cheat on their taxes “as much as possible”.   Yikes!  Of course, the vast majority of Americans are still following the straight and narrow.

I suppose the temptation might be there for some people, given how bad the economy has been for the last couple of years.   But why risk it?  I was catching up with a friend the other day who told me he’s been audited the last three years in a row.  Nothing really was wrong.   The IRS was just focusing on particular professions.  And the number of audits was at its highest level last year in decades.  Who said the Obama Administration isn’t all about law and order?

And what’s popular with the cheaters?  The Making Work Pay Tax Credit is one….inflating charitable contributions is always popular…..and claiming personal expenses for business.  It’s better to keep every receipt so you claim deductions you’re entitled to.  That way, when you get your tax return ready, you won’t be sweating anything.   If you suspect someone of cheating on their taxes, drop a dime:  800-829-0433.  Good luck getting your taxes done!  Until next time, here’s to good planning!