An IRS audit is a review or examination of an organization’s or individual’s accounts and financial information to ensure that the information reported on tax returns is accurate and that the reported amount of tax is correct. The IRS conducts audits to verify the accuracy of tax returns and to ensure compliance with tax laws.
Reasons for an IRS Audit
The IRS uses various methods to select tax returns for audit. Some of the reasons why a tax return may be selected for audit include:
- Random selection: The IRS randomly selects a certain percentage of tax returns for audit each year.
- Computer screening: The IRS uses computer programs to identify returns that may contain errors or inconsistencies.
- Related examinations: The IRS may select a return for audit if it is related to another return that is being audited.
- Informant information: The IRS may receive information from informants about possible tax fraud or other violations.
What IRS Auditors Look For
During an audit, IRS auditors will examine various aspects of a taxpayer’s financial records to verify the accuracy of the information reported on the tax return. Some of the things that IRS auditors look for include:
- Income: Auditors will verify that all income has been reported, including wages, salaries, tips, dividends, interest, and capital gains.
- Deductions: Auditors will review deductions claimed on the tax return to ensure that they are allowable and properly substantiated.
- Credits: Auditors will verify that all credits claimed on the tax return are allowable and properly calculated.
- Tax liability: Auditors will calculate the taxpayer’s tax liability based on the information reported on the tax return.
How to Prepare for an IRS Audit
If you receive a notice from the IRS that you are being audited, it is important to take the following steps:
- Gather your records: Gather all of the records that you will need to support the information reported on your tax return. This includes receipts, invoices, bank statements, and other financial documents.
- Organize your records: Organize your records in a logical order so that the auditor can easily find the information they need.
- Be prepared to answer questions: The auditor will ask you questions about your tax return and your financial records. Be prepared to answer these questions honestly and accurately.
- Consider getting professional help: If you are not comfortable dealing with the IRS on your own, you may want to consider getting professional help from an accountant or tax attorney.
An IRS audit can be a stressful experience, but it is important to remember that the auditor is simply trying to verify the accuracy of your tax return. By following the steps outlined above, you can prepare for your audit and minimize the chances of any problems.
What the IRS is actually looking for that could trigger a tax audit
FAQ
What makes you likely to get audited by the IRS?
What does IRS look at in an audit?
What are the red flags for IRS audit?
Does the IRS look at your bank account during an audit?
What is an IRS audit & how does it work?
The simplest IRS audit, called a correspondence audit, requires only that you mail in the records needed to verify a specified claim on your return. Over the past several years, the IRS has been doing more of these types of audits. For a field audit, an IRS agent comes to your home or place of business to go over your records.
What are the different types of IRS audits?
These are the most common. (Other types, like information gathering audits, preparer project audits, and claims audits are much rarer.) A correspondence audit is where the IRS mails you an audit notice asking for additional documents. You either fax or mail them in to a general IRS location, and you never meet with a specific auditor.
What happens if you’re selected for an IRS audit?
If you’re selected for an IRS audit, you’ll get a letter announcing your fate. The simplest IRS audit, called a correspondence audit, requires only that you mail in the records needed to verify a specified claim on your return. Over the past several years, the IRS has been doing more of these types of audits.
How do tax audits work?
Tax audits usually start with a letter, and in most cases the IRS handles them entirely through correspondence. You may picture a tax audit like a scene in the movies: IRS agents in dark suits show up at your door and sift through boxes of papers. Instead, most tax audits are much less dramatic.