If you’re a Tamarac taxpayer in the 33319 area, chances are you’ve heard advice about taxes that sounded helpful—but wasn’t true. At Polaris Tax & Accounting, we see firsthand how bad information leads to IRS letters, missed deductions, and overpaid taxes.

Let’s debunk the top 5 myths we hear most from Tamarac residents—and set the record straight.

Myth #1: “If I don’t get a 1099, I don’t have to report it.”

Reality: Whether or not you receive a 1099-NEC or 1099-K, income from self-employment, side gigs, or cash apps like Venmo and Zelle is still taxable. The IRS expects you to report all income—even if there’s no form.

➡️ Need help reporting self-employment income in Tamarac? We’ve got you covered

Myth #2: “I can claim any family member as a dependent.”

Reality: Dependents must meet strict IRS requirements for relationship, residency, support, and income. Claiming someone who doesn’t qualify can trigger audits and penalties.

➡️ Avoid filing errors—check out our Tamarac tax prep checklist

Myth #3: “Filing jointly means I get a bigger refund.”

Reality: Not always. Married Filing Jointly often provides more deductions, but depending on income or tax situations (like a spouse with debt or back taxes), it can reduce your refund or trigger offsets.

➡️ Let’s review your best filing strategy—schedule a Tamarac tax planning session

Myth #4: “If I owe, I shouldn’t file.”

Reality: Filing late (or not at all) only makes things worse. The IRS charges separate penalties for failure to file and failure to pay—filing avoids one of them.

➡️ Learn how we help Tamarac residents facing IRS collections

Myth #5: “The IRS won’t catch small mistakes.”

Reality: Most audits today are triggered automatically by mismatched data or missing forms. Even a small error can lead to a CP2000 notice or IRS letter.

➡️ Already received an IRS notice in Tamarac? Here’s what to do next

Don’t Let Myths Cost You Money

Polaris Tax & Accounting works with Tamarac clients every day to correct bad advice, fix old returns, and prevent costly mistakes going forward. Our process is 100% virtual, secure, and built to give you clarity—not confusion.

👉 Schedule your consultation now and get honest answers that protect your wallet.