As the tax deadline creeps closer and closer, Ohio tax officials appear to be getting testier. The state's Department of Taxation claims there are more than 160,000 tax-filers who have failed to take a tax security quiz as instructed. Ohio Tax Commissioner Joe Testa said the untaken tests represent "a clear indication as to the level of potential fraudulent attempts."
A spokesperson for the Department of Taxation said it last year found 66,000 tax returns asking for $278 million in fraudulent refunds. Those numbers compelled the agency to create an ID verification quiz; a test that came under immediate criticism for asking odd and difficult questions that caused many people to fail to be able to verify their identification, the Columbus Dispatch reports.
After some tweaking, about 98 percent of the million people who had to take the test passed it. As you've undoubtedly heard, if you fail the quiz, you have to submit copies of your Social Security card, driver's license and other documents.
The filing of a false tax return is considered tax fraud and can launch an investigation that could result in criminal tax charges. Those accusations can be life-changing.
In ideal circumstances, you would contact an experienced tax attorney as soon as you believe you might be under investigation by federal or state officials. That way, your lawyers can contact tax agencies and help clarify matters. Detailed clarifications can in many cases result in resolutions that do not involve criminal charges.
If you find yourself already facing charges, there is no time for delay. Speak as soon as possible with an attorney experienced in helping clients navigate a complex and hostile tax system.
