How Tax Returns Can Prove Adultery

If you think your spouse is cheating on you, you may go to extremes to confirm your suspicions and determine whether or not you need to file for divorce. Perhaps you go through your spouse’s phone or emails looking for proof. Maybe you install a tracking device on their phone or car. You might even hire a private investigator.

The key to finding out whether or not your other half is committing adultery may lie in your tax returns. These documents outline all your sources of  income as well as how much in taxes you have paid throughout the year. Therefore, if you’re not involved in the tax filing process for your household, you need to start becoming aware of whether or not your taxes are being filed, as these returns can uncover some secrets about your relationship.

Looking Between the Lines

So what do you need to look for to see if adultery is an issue in your marriage? First, look at the W-2 forms. These forms break out how much your spouse earns, the amount that is going to taxes and how much is going into retirement plans.

Schedule B and Schedule D are two other forms you should look at. Schedule B outlines interest and dividends, while Schedule D outlines capital gains and losses. If your spouse is stashing away money in retirement plans, these forms will uncover this secrecy.

A person can reduce their after-tax income by putting money into a 401(k) or other retirement plan. They can also put it in a health savings account or deferred compensation plan.  Because these options reduce take-home pay, the cheating spouse can use this to pay less in alimony or child support.

This can be a red flag, especially if your spouse is claiming that they have no money, when they’re putting it all in these other accounts. You can also look at bank statements and pay stubs to uncover where all your spouse’s income is really going.

Other red flags include transferring large sums of money across various accounts and changes in spending habits. Look for large withdrawals or frequent ATM transactions. Some people get cash back from shopping trips to cover up excess withdrawals. If your spouse does not want you to have access to certain accounts, he or she has something to hide. If you’re already in the divorce process, use document discovery to uncover tax returns and other documents that can prove that your spouse is cheating.

Seek Legal Help

Nobody wants to find out that their spouse is cheating on them, but adultery is a common reason why marriages fail. If you have suspicions, perusing your tax returns, bank statements and other financial documents can help you find clues.

If you are concerned about the status of your marriage, it’s wise to seek legal help. Fort Lauderdale divorce attorney Edward J. Jennings, P.A. is compassionate toward your situation and can help you understand your options. Schedule a consultation by calling 954-764-4330 or filling out the online form.

Resource:

cnbc.com/2019/08/02/is-your-spouse-cheating-your-tax-returns-may-hold-the-secret.html

https://www.ejj-law.com/what-women-should-know-before-filing-for-divorce/