{"id":353974,"date":"2022-08-19T07:44:43","date_gmt":"2022-08-19T12:44:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/tax\/federal-taxes\/top-tax-myths-debunked.html"},"modified":"2024-01-02T10:33:39","modified_gmt":"2024-01-02T15:33:39","slug":"top-tax-myths-debunked","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/tax\/federal-taxes\/top-tax-myths-debunked.html","title":{"rendered":"Top Tax Myths Debunked"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Top Tax Myths Debunked<\/h1>\n
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\n By J.P. Finet, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by J.P. Finet, J.D.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

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The turning of a new year marks the beginning of another tax season, which runs from Jan. 1 through April 15. While most Americans make an effort to submit their returns on time, some will make serious errors because they believe some common tax myths. <\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n

Remember, a sincere belief that a tax myth is true won’t help when the IRS notifies you that you have unpaid tax liabilities and owe penalties. The agency can also force you to repay any tax refund you may have received based on misinformation.<\/p>\r\n

Many myths about the federal income tax have thrived online, leading more Americans than ever to learn that "one simple trick" will significantly reduce or eliminate their tax bills. Believing in these myths can end up costing you far more than the money you saved because the IRS can impose penalties<\/a> and charge interest. In some cases, they can land you in jail. <\/p>\r\n

To help keep you out of trouble with the IRS, FindLaw has compiled a list of five common tax misconceptions and the truth behind them.<\/p>\r\n

Myth #1: Federal Income Taxes Are Illegal, Invalid, and Voluntary<\/i><\/h2>\r\n

The myth that you aren’t required to pay the federal income tax can take many forms, with some of the most common being:<\/p>\r\n