How does the IRS know my income?

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is responsible for collecting taxes due to the federal government. The IRS monitors income from all sources, and the agency has many ways to track income. The most common way the IRS knows your income is through the W-2 forms that employers provide to their employees. These forms show wage and salary information that the employer has reported to the IRS. Other common income sources that the IRS monitors include dividends, interest payments, and income from investments. Also, if you receive Social Security benefits or are self-employed, the IRS will also track your income. If you’re self-employed, your income is reported on a form 1099, which includes payments for services provided and money received from an investment. Banks and other financial institutions must also report to the IRS when you cash out stocks, bonds, or mutual funds. The IRS also has the ability to track income based on lifestyle. If your lifestyle or expenses don’t match the income you report, the IRS might decide to investigate. For instance, someone who reports low income but is living in an expensive home might be contacted by the IRS. In summary, the IRS has multiple ways to track your income, and it is important to report the appropriate information to the agency. Failure to do so can lead to hefty fines or even criminal charges.

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How does the IRS know my income?

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