IRS files are private records so no one is supposed to have access to your file. There are a few exceptions though. Some people get in. Computer hackers are the worst. Sometimes they break into government-protected sites and snoop around their database. Violating the Privacy Act can get them into a lot of trouble in theory but hardly any of them are ever prosecuted for it. IRS personnel get caught and reprimanded more often for going thought IRS files then hackers do.

If you forgot to file your taxes this year, don’t worry for about 6 years. The government has 6 years from the date it was due and not done before they will criminally charge you with failure to file. If you forgot a few years back but have been filing ever since you still need to cover the cost you failed on back then if you haven’t already. Not until you actually file does the normal audit time limit, 3 years, and collection time limit, 10 years, start to run. Don’t worry after 6 years. The IRS is over it.

Ask your new real estate agent what her average ratio is. An excellent buyers agent should be able to negotiate a sales price that is lower than the list price. If you are working with a worthy listing agent they will have a portfolio outlining their track record that you will be able to review. Check into these numbers before investing in an agent that has a bad history and nothing good to show for themselves. I’ve made this mistake before so I am warning you not to do what I did and just trust the first agent you hear from.