Guilty of tax fraud?? How do I fix it?

[Cass]

Maybe this isn’t really a law enforcement issue, but you might still have some information or advice…

I have lived and supported myself independently since I was 15. I have always filed my own tax returns, but up until I turned 18 my mom claimed me as a dependant even though I didn’t live with her and she didn’t support me financially (or otherwise). She told me that as my parent she could decide how I file my tax return, so I put down all the information as if I was living with her, and I didn’t claim myself as an exemption. I know/knew lying to the IRS was wrong, but I went along with it anyway. It’s not an excuse, but I was scared she’d just make me move back in with her and her boyfriend or otherwise make my life hell. Is this considered tax fraud, and what would happen if I were to report myself or someone else reported me or my mom?

After I turned 18 my mom again claimed me as a dependent for that year because I was still in high school. However, I put down that I was living on my own, and I also claimed myself as a dependent on my tax return. I basically told her she could file hers whichever way she wanted, but I was an adult now and was going to file my return based on the actual facts. So now I’m wondering if I can get in trouble for it, either because I claimed myself even though I knew someone else was claiming me already, or for somehow “aiding” my mom in committing tax fraud by not reporting her? I also wonder what the consequences would be for my mom.

I’m 19 now and a full-time college student. I have a part-time job and live on my own in NY, but currently my primary job is in NJ so I’ll have to file in both states (if I had considered the tax issues at the time, I probably wouldn’t have accepted a job across the border…duh). I’m sure my mom will try to claim me as a dependent again based on the fact that I’m a full-time student. What do I need to do to claim myself without getting into (more) hot water? Do I have an obligation to report my mom or am I okay as long as my information is accurate? Can they charge me with tax fraud for the “double claim” on last year’s tax returns?

It’s bad enough that I let this happen in the past, but I really want to do things right from now on. For the past few months I’ve been trying to get a lot of personal stuff sorted out so I can truly move on with my life and make a fresh start, and I feel like I need to straighten this out, too. How do I make things right??

Thank you.

[dadyswat]

Just register as a Democrat and claim the Sharpton exemption.

All kidding aside and you probably won't like this but you're not likely a big enough fish to come after. I'm sure if you call them they'll be happy to tell what to file and take your money.

[retdetsgt]

First, don't make any unsolicited guilt ridden confessions.

As dadyswat said, you probably aren't in their sights and if they don't catch it for the next few years, they won't.

Pay your taxes as you should for the time being. IF they contact you, tell the the truth. I seriously doubt they will, but if they do, see what they say. Let your mom take responsibility for her own actions, what she did or does isn't your responsibility, legally or morally. If you aren't living with her and she isn't supporting you then she has no legal right to claim you. It's not your job to explain that to her either. Just obey the law yourself and you'll be fine.

[Cass]

Umm. OK.

I didn't benefit from it. My mom did. I paid my taxes...and more than I would have if I had claimed myself.

It's the lying on the form itself that bothers me, but I guess I'll just have to live with that. It may not be a big deal to the IRS, but perhaps I feel so guilty because I always hear you guys talk about honesty and integrity and accepting responsibility and such. Makes me feel like a dishonest turd.

[retdetsgt]

Umm. OK.

I didn't benefit from it. My mom did. I paid my taxes...and more than I would have if I had claimed myself.

It's the lying on the form itself that bothers me, but I guess I'll just have to live with that. It may not be a big deal to the IRS, but perhaps I feel so guilty because I always hear you guys talk about honesty and integrity and accepting responsibility and such. Makes me feel like a dishonest turd.

The IRS is not going to care a bit if you didn't claim yourself even though you could. So forget about feeling guilty about that. If you were under 18 and not legally emancipated, you probably couldn't claim yourself anyway.

If you were 18, living on your own and claimed yourself, you're fine. Your mother is the liar and would be in trouble.

[Joeyd6]

Moms in trouble, not you. Do what you are supposed to, and make sure you file. File before her if you can this year. The NY/NJ this not as complicated as you think. You can Turbotax it, see H&R block, or if really bold, try it yourself. I am sure your job is not paying you a fortune and you are probale on a simple 1040EZ for federal since you don't itemize.