When you think about your financial life, you likely don’t imagine the IRS and your state government working together. But here’s the truth: they’re sharing information, and if you’re not paying attention, this connection could have serious consequences for your wallet.
Here’s how it works: the IRS and state tax authorities exchange details on taxpayers in a mutual effort to catch errors, find fraud, and make sure everyone is paying their fair share. If you don’t report income on your federal tax return, it doesn’t just stay between you and the IRS. State tax agencies will know about it too. And vice versa: any misstep on your state tax return can flag issues that lead to a closer look at your federal return.
Now, you might be thinking, “That’s only a problem for people who aren’t following the rules.” And while that’s mostly true, mistakes happen—even when you’re trying to do everything by the book. Here’s an example: say you forget to report a side income source on your federal taxes. The IRS picks up on it and informs the state. Suddenly, your state’s coming after you for back taxes too, and that oversight just got twice as expensive.
What’s more, the penalties and fees add up fast. In addition to paying the taxes owed, you’re often hit with late fees and penalties from both the IRS and your state tax authority. This can spiral quickly, turning a small error into a financial mess. And if you don’t have an emergency fund in place or cash set aside for unexpected expenses, this kind of “oops” can blow a hole in your budget.
So, how can you keep yourself protected? Start by double-checking everything before you file. Track all sources of income, including that side hustle, freelance gig, or any other part-time work. If you have investments or property in different states, make sure you know your tax obligations in those states as well. And when in doubt, consult a tax professional who knows the ins and outs of both state and federal tax codes.
The key takeaway is simple: with the IRS and state governments working together, mistakes don’t fly under the radar. They’re caught and costly. Save yourself the headache by filing your taxes accurately and on time every year. And keep that emergency fund stocked—it’s there to protect you when life throws a curveball, even when that curveball is a tax bill you didn’t see coming.
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