I cheated and I want to pay...

[zagollis]

Colorado
For about 3 o 4 years now I've been claiming my kids from a previous marriage who live in South America as if they live with me. It started as a mistake but we kept it after we realize it was wrong.
Is there any way I can fix it? Like, paying it back without getting in trouble?
I don't know anything about this matter and I would really appreciate any help.


I have to add that we were told by a tax "professional" that we could claim them as long as nobody else was doing it and since nobody else was doing it we started. The we learned that we needed permission from my ex to do so and finally we didn't know what was right or wrong and there is when we made the mistake of continuing doing it, but not proud nor happy about it I want to get it straight.

Thanks

[Snipes5]

If I were you, I would simply stop doing it, figure out how much money you have gained through this fraud, and when you have enough to pay all of it, amend your tax returns and pay the money back.

Snipes

[zagollis]

I have already stoped.
I wouldn't even know how to figure out how much money are we talking about.
Do I need to hire somebody to do this? Do I need to tell IRS waht I did?
Please tell me where to go from here.

Thanks

[Snipes5]

A competent tax professional could figure this out for you very easily.

You MUST see an Enrolled Agent, CPA, or Attorney, simply because they are bound by confidentiality regulations.

DO NOT go to the IRS for help on this one.

You can find an EA at any H&R Block office. They all have at least one on staff.

Do everyone a favor though, and wait about two weeks until the mad rush is over. Things slow down a lot about the third or fourth week of Feb.

Snipes

[zagollis]

Thank you so much.
I'll follow your advise.