Form 700 Common Errors to Avoid

Eight Common Form 700 Errors to Avoid

How to avoid  common errors in filing conflict of interest statements:

1. Know your jurisdiction. The jurisdiction for University officials is the State.
2. Check your disclosure categories. You may need to report only certain types of interests. 
3. Report your spouse’s interests. Your spouse’s investments and interests in real property are reportable. Fifty percent of your spouse’s income is considered your income and must be disclosed.
4. University salary or reimbursements. You are not required to report the salary or reimbursements for expenses, including travel expenses, that you receive from the University.
5. Don’t report your primary personal residence. You need only to report the portion of a personal residence that is used as a place of business for tax purposes.
6. Diversified mutual funds are not reportable. Neither are bank accounts, savings accounts, insurance policies or government bonds.
7. Use the schedules. Don’t attach brokerage statements or other extraneous information.
8. Don't file late. Annual Form 700 is due April 1st. There is no provision in the law for extensions of filing deadlines.