Accepted Answer

Dear blondy,

Thanks for your question.

I understand your concern for privacy. BUT, The state probation department has the right to request you to provide your tax returns, as part of compliance with probation.

They can not ask for them directly themselves; they have to either ask you to sign an IRS form allowing them to get the information, or they have to ask you to provide it.

I do not know the relevance of your case to the need, but I can speak generally about such issues.

I am familiar with 12 states probation processes; and in all, they ask for tax return information, in order to confirm all sources of income. This is done for a couple of reasons:

1. To make sure you are working and earning money in legitimate aways associated with the terms of probation.

2. for persons who have a restitution arrangement, it is to make sure of income levels, in order to modify restitution schedules.

3. In some instances it is to make sure they are compliant with federal regulations and laws....it is a legal requirement to meet your income tax reporting requirement.

I know, none of this may seem to apply to you in your case....I am using these as examples. The exact reason depends on the states program rules and the board of corrections rules regarding probation.

The bottom line, is that fair or not, they have the right to get the information. If you do not voluntarily give it, then they can get a court to order it and subpoena your tax records from the IRS.

In this case, if you do not comply, then they may have grounds to vacate your probation and require you to fulfill the sentence for non-compliance.

 

Expert:	Ed Johnson
Pos. Feedback:	99.2 %
Accepts:
Answered:	7/30/2009

Tax Preparer

GPHR Cert; U.S. Treasury Tax Advocacy Panel appointee