My concern is for the peace of mind of my husband, who is the financial arbiter and guru in this household. Over decades, he has absolutely and steadfastly paid every dollar (and then some) of tax that was owed. If there was anything that had been paid, but was without receipt, no matter how trivial, he would eschew its use. He far preferred overpaying, than worrying about any question that might arise. This is a second marriage for both of us, though of 30-some years standing. My entry into mystery shopping caused him some discomfort and a fair amount of head-shaking. Then, when the first year ended, (which comprised a full year of taxable income and records AND the bottom line was a loss) his angst took on real angsty proportions. He "humors me" in my MS activities and sometimes even gets caught up in its observations, as he was first trained and worked as an Industrial Engineer, so timing and efficiencies are central to his core. As we once again head into tax season and he readies his investment data, medical deductions, and the like, it occurred to me, he would perhaps be soothed by learning that IRS is NOT necessarily lying in wait for OUR return to be pounced upon due to the RED FLAG of mystery shopping waving over and from the Schedule C.
So far, it seems there is no pattern of undue or unwanted notice being paid to the returns of my brethren. Can I get a witness??