87% say it's never okay to cheat on taxes

WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - For a lot of people, one of the most anticipated days of this season is when that tax return arrives in the mail or deposits into their bank account. Everyone wants that dollar amount to be as high as possible, but at what lengths? A new IRS poll explores how people feel about cheating on income taxes.

Most people wouldn't say 'no' to a little extra money in their tax return -- but only if it honestly belongs there. A new IRS poll revealed 87 percent of people say it's never okay on your taxes -- even a little. 22News found one 'IRS dream' filer, who keeps herself accountable by holding on to those receipts.

“It takes me weeks to gather all the information. I get teased by my family because im a receipt holder and a filer. I file all documents and receipts and at the end of the year it just makes it easier for my filer to pull out by subject and category,” said Kimberly Ladue of West Springfield.

In a tough economy, people might be more likely to make desperate decisions. But almost all of those polled said there's one thing that drives him to report taxes honestly: integrity.

 “It's very difficult times. Everybody is having trouble with money, even people who never had trouble with money, including me. I know how difficult it is. I think it's very important. I don't overstate anything. I don't overstate what I do for charity. I pay what's due,” said Roddy Cameron of Holyoke.

The IRS only audits one percent of individual returns each year. But one woman who's made honest filing mistakes in the past, told 22News it makes no sense to cut corners on purpose.

“It doesn't make sense to have to go through some issues by making a mistake. We've made mistakes in the past, purely mistakes, and it costs you money in the long run,” Kathy Carr of Hartford, CT.