Understated business income is definitely an area of IRS concern. One way in which the IRS encourages the reporting of income is by requiring those making payments to individuals to report those payments on Form 1099. For 2011 tax returns, the IRS has now mandated that taxpayers indicate whether or not they have filed all required 1099s. Taxpayers and their preparers can be penalized for failing to answer this question accurately. And, of course, there continue to be penalties for the failure to file 1099s.
Don’t be surprised when your tax preparer asks you questions about your 1099 reporting. If you are currently a tax client you will be receiving a more detailed letter in the mail in the next several days. We request that you answer the questions enclosed with it and return to us so that we can properly prepare your 2011 tax return. If you are still doing your own return, be careful about answering these new questions so that you don’t receive greetings from the IRS after you file. If you need help in filing your 1099s this year, please call your local Farm Credit office.
