From research compiled by the IRS, 15% of Americans admit to cheating on their tax return. Here are some of the top ways individuals have attempted to deceive the IRS.
- Claiming the first-time home buyer tax credit when the house was not in fact the first home.
- Working a job under the table while also getting unemployment benefits.
- Filing a false insurance claim.
- Lying about income to qualify for free government money or assistance programs.
- Not declaring income-earning in tips.
Intuit, the owners of TurboTax, surveyed why the 85% of American taxpayers were motivated to be honest with the IRS.
The greatest influence was not fear of an audit but a commitment to maintain their personal integrity.
Proverbs 22:1 says, “A good name is more desirable than great riches.” Think about how much better off you are to be honest.
As Christians, we should never struggle to determine if we are going to be honest in any financial matters. Always file your returns. Always tell the truth and always pay what you owe. Any compromise on these values will damage you and reflect poorly on the body of Christ.
So file your taxes and be honest. Sleep well at night. And thank God for the riches of having a good name.
