What if You Get Audited?

“Audit” is a word that can strike fear into the hearts of taxpayers. However, the chances of an Internal Revenue Service audit aren’t that high. For tax years 2010 through 2018, the IRS audited 0.5% of all individual tax returns. (1)

Being audited does not necessarily imply that the IRS suspects wrongdoing. The IRS says that an audit is just a formal review of a tax return to ensure information is being reported according to current tax law and to verify that the information itself is accurate.

Remember, this article is for informational purposes only, and is not a replacement for real-life advice. Consult with your tax, legal and accounting professionals before modifying your tax strategy.

The IRS selects returns for audits using three main methods:

• Random Selection. Some returns are chosen at random based on the results of a statistical formula.

• Information Matching. The IRS compares reports from payers – W-2 forms from employers, 1099 forms from banks and brokerages, and others – to the returns filed by taxpayers. Those that don’t match may be examined further.

• Related Examinations. Some returns are selected for an audit because they involve issues or transactions with other taxpayers whose returns have been selected for examination.

There are several sound tax practices that may reduce the chances of an audit:

• Provide Complete Information. Among the most overlooked information is missing Social Security numbers – including those for any dependent children and ex-spouses.

• Avoid Math Errors. When the IRS receives a return that contains math errors, it assesses the error and sends a notice without following its normal deficiency procedures.

• Match Your Statements. The numbers on any W-2 and 1099 forms must match the returns to which they are tied. Those that do not match may be flagged for an audit.

• Do Not Repeat Mistakes. The IRS remembers those returns it has audited. It may check to make sure past errors are not repeated.

• Keep Complete Records. This won’t reduce the chance of an audit, but it potentially may make it much easier to comply with IRS requests for documentation.

Citations

1. irs.gov/statistics/enforcement-examinations [3/16/21]

This post has been derived from sources believed to be accurate. Please note - investing involves risk, and past performance is no guarantee of future results. Bob Lawson is not engaged in rendering legal or accounting services. If assistance is needed, the reader is advised to engage the services of a competent professional. This information should not be construed as investment, tax or legal advice and may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any Federal tax penalty. This is neither a solicitation nor recommendation to purchase or sell any investment or insurance product or service, and should not be relied upon as such. All indices are unmanaged and are not illustrative of any particular investment.