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More Taxpayer Misconceptions

Earlier this year we posted a slideshow of common taxpayer misconceptions -- and readers started sending in their own examples, including many culled from the heat of tax season. A selection follows.
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There’s a maximum age for the income tax.

"How old do I have to be before I can stop paying taxes?" is apparently a frequent question from clients, but no matter how old you get, you are always eligible for the income tax.
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Flame of burning paper sheet stack 04

If there’s no document, there’s no income.

Income is income, regardless of whether the taxpayer or the IRS received an information reporting form about it.
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A foppish handsome business person ironing the front of a suit jacket he is wearing with an electrical iron in a funny personal grooming concept

I need to look presentable for clients, so …

Except with certain work-related uniforms and very specific occupations, needing to look good doesn’t mean you get to deduct gym or spa memberships, health foods, or nice clothes.
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Scam Computer Keys Showing Swindles And Fraud

E-filing is a trick to rob me.

Apparently, there’s at least one client out there who insists on paper filing because they believe that if they e-file, the IRS will have access to their bank account and will steal their money.
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Young female graduate holding money at library

Private school tuition is deductible.

Nope.
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I’ll deduct the maximum mileage.

There is no maximum or minimum mileage – just how far you drove.
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Happy bride with gold coins over white background

I had clients at my wedding, so I can deduct it!

While there are rumors that a wedding planner was able to deduct some expenses because she really was able to use her wedding for professional purposes, having clients attend a non-professional event, -- whether it’s your wedding, your birthday or your child’s birthday – does not make it deductible.
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