Question:

What is a frivolous return?

Filing A Frivolous Return

A frivolous return is one that does not contain enough information to calculate any tax. Or, the tax return can contain information that obviously shows the tax being claimed is erroneously incorrect. The IRS enacted this penalty in an attempt to lower the incidence rate of tax protest activities.
Tax protest activities include:

  • Protesting military expenses by claiming unallowable deductions
  • Deliberately using the incorrect Tax Table to calculate taxes
  • Submitting tax forms that were improper and/or not in order
  • Obviously inconsistent information found on tax returns. (Like claiming one exemption, but listing 50 dependents).
  • Crossing out or altering the printed tax form information.
  • Interfering with the administration of federal income tax laws
  • Deliberately delaying the processing of your income tax return
What is unique about this tax penalty is the fact it is the only one not based on your tax liability. If you are found filing a frivolous return by the IRS, you will be assessed the penalty immediately. This penalty is added to any other penalty as required by the IRS law. And, you may have to pay $500.

Even if you protest the tax penalty, the IRS requires that you pay it when you receive notice of it.

Tax Relief Frequently Asked Questions

What is one IRS Penalty?

Is there a penalty for not reporting my social security number?

What is the IRS penalty for not filing my tax return?

What is a frivolous return?

Is there a penalty for paying taxes late?

What is an example of a tax evasion case?

What is tax fraud?

What is tax evasion?

What is innocent spouse relief?

Can I see an example of innocent spouse relief?

When does innocent spouse relief not apply?

What form do I need to request innocent spouse relief?

How can I appeal an innocent spouse relief?

What are some innocent spouse relief rules?

Am I eligible for innocent spouse relief?

Where do I mail my IRS Form 8857?

What is corporate tax evasion?

What are some payroll taxes?

How about an actual case about corporate tax evasion?

What are some fringe benefits?

What is tax relief from a tax loss?

How can state taxes paid provide tax relief?

What is some small business tax relief?

What happens with unpaid payroll taxes?

What is an automatic IRS installment plan?

What are some documents needed for payment plans?

What is the drawback to an IRS installment plan?

What if I fall behind in my tax payments?

How can I make payments on my IRS payment plan?

What form do I need for requesting an IRS installment plan?

How do I request an IRS Payment plan?

What is an IRS tax installment agreement?

What are the guidelines for applying for an OIC?

Be weary of what?

Are there examples of OIC case studies?

How do I calculate my OIC offer?

When can I apply for an OIC?

What is an offer in compromise?

What are the procedures for an OIC?

What is an uncollectible account?

What are back property taxes?

Where can I get federal tax lien information?

What is a release of federal tax lien?

What is a notice of federal tax lien?

What property can be subject to a tax lien?

What is the tax lien process?

How do I perform a tax lien search?

What is a high risk taxpayer for tax liens?

What is a tax lien?

What assets can be levied?

How do I appeal an IRS levy?

What is a bank levy?

What starts the levy process?

What is a Notice of Levy?

How can I release a tax levy?

What is a state tax levy?

What is the difference between a tax lien and levy?

What is a wage levy?

What are some high risk trigger areas?

What are some IRS audit red flags?

Can I represent myself during an audit?

How long does the IRS have to audit me?

How do I prepare for my IRS audit?

How do I protect myself from an audit?

What is the IRS Taxpayer Bill of Rights?

What are some types of IRS audits?

How do I appeal a wage garnishment?

Can I see a wage garnishment case?

What is a wage garnishment?

What is a IRS warning?

What if I am self-employed?

How do I stop wage garnishment?

How do I release a wage garnishment?

Why do I have a wage garnishment?

What is my responsibility with wage garnishments?

How can an amended return give me tax debt help?

What is bankruptcy?

What is the debt calculator?

What is state tax debt?

What is a tax debt help mistake?

Who is a tax debt pro?

What is the Taxpayer Advocacy Services?

What is an uncollectible category?

What is a back tax form?

How do I file back taxes?

How do I pay back taxes?

What is the IRS statute of limitations?

What if I didn't receive a W-2?

What are the penalties for not filing my return?

What is a special situation regarding back taxes?

What is the IRS statute of limitations for back taxes?

What about the IRS & Substitute Tax Forms?

What is a penalty abatement?

What is an example of a penalty abatement?

What is a reasonable cause for penalty abatement?

How do I request a penalty abatement?

How do I request an interest abatement?

What is a penalty abatement request letter?

What about penalty abatements?

What if I rely on IRS incorrect advice?





Not finding the advice and tips you need on this Tax Relief Tip Site? Request a Tip Now!


Guru Spotlight
Alexis Niki