From: Chicago, IL

Dear TaxMama,

I used to add my boyfriend to my tax statement as a dependent, because he worked a few under the table jobs. 

But this year I forgot to add him. What should he do now? Just not do anything? Or should I try and re-do my tax statments that have already been mailed. 

Any suggestions would be very helpful.

Thanks.

Jenny

Dear Jenny

How can I say this gently?

What you two have been doing is illegal.

You are committing a felony by helping your boyfriend commit tax fraud. This is serious. Stop it.

If he doesn't want to report his income, you shouldn't be getting involved, or helping him. Stay out of it.

Never, ever again include him on your tax return as a dependent.  He doesn't qualify.

He's making enough money to file a tax return. Let him file it.

You're very fortunate that you left him off this year. Keep it that way.

And if you're planning to build a future with him...? And perhaps have children...? And tie your finances to his...?

Get him to come clean NOW, while he's not in all that much trouble. The longer he keeps this up, the more he'll owe. And that's likely to cause you a lot of financial and emotional headaches over the years.

Get him to a good local tax professional who knows how to handle the problems that arise when someone hasn't reported his income for years.

If he won't clean up his act? Keep your finances very strictly separated.

Good luck!

Best wishes,
Eva Rosenberg, MBA, EA