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Debt And Denial – During The Tax Season
By: Bill Mitchell
As 120 million households prepare their taxes this year, Bill Mitchell,
Seven-Day Detective and author of The More You Know – Getting the evidence and
support you need to investigate a troubled relationship, asks the $64,000
question. “With the tax season deadline approaching, what election will you use
to file your 2005 tax return? Married filing jointly or married with money
grubbing cheating Spouse?”
With the tax filing date quickly approaching, you must prepare your taxes again,
and on time. This time of year, finances are always a priority for us, “but did
the thought ever occur to you that cheating spouses are spending money without
telling you?” asks Mitchell.
“Once a cheat always a cheat” as the old goes. “If they will cheat on you, count
on it - Uncle Sam is next,” adds Mitchell. “And this means possible IRS
problems,” Mitchell warns. The problem for most victims of infidelity is denial.
Coping with powerful feelings of trust and mistrust keep many in the dark.
Cheating spouses account for millions of dollars each year in travel, gifts,
phone charges, and more as they philander. “Taking an assessment of your income
and expenses columns, especially in the ‘miscellaneous category’ will unearth
cheating spouses’ wrongdoings,” offers Mitchell.
Tax season can also serve as time for damage control. Start by investigating
credit card and bank statements and phone bills - especially cell accounts.
Next, turn your attention toward any disappearing acts or business trips during
the past year. Make certain you don’t overlook holidays such as Valentine’s Day
and Christmas and your spouse’s birthday. These events are just a few important
dates to include as you audit your finances.
Each case depends upon the nature of the income, methods of payment, how and
where assets are hidden. For example, does the potential exist for your spouse
hide assets through the assistance of a family member, business partner or
out-of-state relative? (These circumstances are typical schemes used by others
who agree to such a scheme). If your answer to any of these questions is yes,
you might consider using spyware and a device called the Phone Accountant to
track call data and trace email transactions. In some cases, we have computers
forensically analyzed for erased data on the hard drive.
“Another safeguard for anyone suspecting an affair is to check your credit
report,” says Mitchell. Obtaining your credit report may provide information and
evidence such as hidden credit history, accounts, or debts. This approach can be
used to identify transactions your spouse made without you. Look for banking and
routing information revealing any trails to hidden assets or financial
surprises.
Use this tax season to secure your financial future, avoid debts, and verify the
facts. A troubled relationship brings more than pain. It normally brings debt!
You shouldn’t be the last one to know if your spouse is cheating on the
government and you.
About the Author:
Bill Mitchell, Seven-Day Detective, is an expert on infidelity and child
custody, Bill Mitchell appears regularly as a guest expert on TV and national
talk shows including Dr. Phil, Today Show, Today Show, and The Early Show.
Contact him at (864) 329-0530 by email at pressroom@bellsouth.net or http://www.sevendaydetective.com |
