Atlanta Tax Law Attorney Blog tag:www.pecklc.com,2009-12-03:/blog/16526 2013-06-17T18:00:49Z Movable Type Enterprise 4.32-en Tax evasion claim made against soccer superstar Messi tag:www.pecklc.com,2013:/blog//16526.672817 2013-06-17T18:00:04Z 2013-06-17T18:00:49Z Lionel Messi is one of the most recognizable soccer players on the planet -- and given his four-year reign as soccer's best player (he won FIFA's player of the year award four years running), he is the most outstanding player... On behalf of The Peck Group, L.C. Lionel Messi is one of the most recognizable soccer players on the planet -- and given his four-year reign as soccer's best player (he won FIFA's player of the year award four years running), he is the most outstanding player on the planet too. Cristiano Ronaldo may have something to say about that, but that's neither here nor there.

Messi's gift to play soccer has led to him being the 10th best paid athlete in the world, according to Forbes. He made more than $41 million this year alone, with more than half of that coming from endorsements. The Argentine playmaker -- who lives in Spain, near his club team Barcelona -- is well-known all across Atlanta and the country. His name is synonymous with soccer brilliance.

]]> But Messi's reputation is on the line now as Spanish officials claim that the superstar owes the country roughly $5.3 million in back taxes, stemming from income he earned from third parties. The officials claim he shielded the income in offshore bank accounts. As Spain continues to recover from their own financial nightmare in the past five years, the country has become stricter on their tax regulations.

Messi says the evasion claims are false; but the threat of a fine that would equal 150 percent of the owed taxes, plus the damage to his sparkling reputation, is immense.

Surely there is an appeals process in Spain that Messi will utilize. In addition, the complicated tax codes of numerous European countries could have led to complications in Messi's case; something that many tax delinquent individuals are aware of. These mix-ups can result in successful appeals of their tax debt.

Source: Associated Press, "Messi allegedly owes $5 million in back taxes," June 12, 2013

]]> Warwick files bankruptcy, fights IRS over back taxes tag:www.pecklc.com,2013:/blog//16526.670266 2013-06-13T16:32:04Z 2013-06-13T16:32:46Z Famed singer Dionne Warwick is known for a bevy of hits, in addition to a very long and successful music career. However, recent times have not been kind to Warwick. She filed for bankruptcy a few months ago as a... On behalf of The Peck Group, L.C. Famed singer Dionne Warwick is known for a bevy of hits, in addition to a very long and successful music career. However, recent times have not been kind to Warwick. She filed for bankruptcy a few months ago as a result of the alleged back taxes she owes the Internal Revenue Service.

The IRS says Warwick owes it $7 million; while Warwick and her legal team say that all of the alleged debt -- except for $25,000 -- should be discharged. The IRS is going to great lengths to collect this debt; the federal organization has informed two companies that Warwick has no stake in (but is associated with) to try and earn back some of the money Warwick allegedly owes.

]]> Warwick and her legal team have since filed an appeal against this attempt by the IRS to earn financial relief. Warwick will also be pushing forward with her bankruptcy filing, hoping to earn the debt discharge she believes she deserves.

Bankruptcy can help an individual with tax debt, but it is far from a sure thing. There are many complications that can arise by filing a bankruptcy claim while you are under the IRS microscope. That doesn't mean the bankruptcy route will fail; but it also is far from a guaranteed success.

If for some reason bankruptcy is not an option for an Atlanta resident who is in trouble with the IRS, consulting an attorney is the next step. Learn what types of options are available to you -- and remember that the IRS is not all-powerful. You can successfully challenge the IRS; even by working with the organization and effectively communicating with it, an individual can resolve his or her tax issues.

Source: Wall Street Journal, "Dionne Warwick Takes on the IRS," Jacqueline Palank, June 10, 2013

]]> Audit more likely for those with immense wealth, large incomes tag:www.pecklc.com,2013:/blog//16526.660035 2013-06-04T19:45:01Z 2013-06-04T19:45:13Z We have talked about the formulaic approach that the IRS uses to perform tax return audits before. The system grades tax filings based on a number unknown factors -- but the point of the system is to establish whether an... On behalf of The Peck Group, L.C. We have talked about the formulaic approach that the IRS uses to perform tax return audits before. The system grades tax filings based on a number unknown factors -- but the point of the system is to establish whether an individual's return is "likely" to have improprieties or mistakes. Based on the score that the formula spits out, the IRS determines whether a return is worthy of an audit.

In addition to this system, random audits can be performed, as can the arduous task of sifting through the paperwork of individual filings to find irregularities between what an individual reports and what their employers report.

]]> However, another thing to know about tax audits is that they are more likely if you have more wealth -- in fact, they are far more likely. The average audit level is 1 percent of all filings. But according to federal data...

  • ... if you earn between $500,000 and $1 million, you have a 4 percent likelihood of being audited.
  • ... if you earn at least $1 million but less than $5 million, you have a 9 percent chance of getting audited.
  • ... if you earn between $5 million and $10 million, the audit rate is 18 percent.
  • ... if you earn more than $10 million, you have a 27 percent chance of getting audited.

Knowing that, it is important for those with higher incomes to consult an attorney if the Internal Revenue Service comes calling. Remember that some of their inquiries may just be boilerplate questions to get a feel for your unique situation. If you have your finances organized and are prepared for their inquiries, you can fend off an audit.

Source: Wall Street Journal, "Chances of an Audit Grow With Income," Tom Herman, May 12, 2013

]]> Tax lien filed against Mary J. Blige, singer considers options tag:www.pecklc.com,2013:/blog//16526.657573 2013-05-31T15:33:00Z 2013-05-31T15:33:03Z Atlanta residents are familiar with Mary J. Blige, the famed hip-hop and soul singer known for countless hits. She has had a very successful career that certainly led to her obtaining numerous assets -- and debts. It appears the latter... On behalf of The Peck Group, L.C. Atlanta residents are familiar with Mary J. Blige, the famed hip-hop and soul singer known for countless hits. She has had a very successful career that certainly led to her obtaining numerous assets -- and debts. It appears the latter has caught up with her, as federal authorities filed a tax lien of more than $3 million against Blige for a bevy of unpaid taxes from 2009 to 2011.

Blige owes roughly $3.4 million in back taxes, according to the Internal Revenue Service. A source close to Mary J. Blige said that she is considering her legal options now that the lien has been filed against her.

]]> A tax lien is a very serious matter. When a lien is placed in your name, it means that you will be virtually locked out of any credit lines you are considering. Loans and credit cards will be nearly impossible to obtain or use. If you own a home or a car, transferring the title can be very difficult. Once the tax debt is paid in full, the lien will be removed from your record.

However, as serious as a tax lien is, it is important to remember that anyone under a lien does have options. As it appears Blige is finding out, there are ways to combat the lien, or to reduce the effects of it. For example, if federal authorities botched paperwork while filing the lien, you could successfully challenge its legality. Another example is that, if the lien is legitimate, the person under the lien can negotiate a deal to pay back the debt in a reasonable way.

Source: Associated Press, "Mary J. Blige faces $3.4M federal tax lien in NJ," May 23, 2013

]]> Audit season in full swing as tax day is a month in the rearview tag:www.pecklc.com,2013:/blog//16526.650353 2013-05-23T16:41:00Z 2013-05-23T16:41:07Z We talk about tax audits on this blog quite a bit; and now that some time has passed since April 15, the Internal Revenue Service is picking out tax filers whose documentation does not add up. For some, this will... On behalf of The Peck Group, L.C. We talk about tax audits on this blog quite a bit; and now that some time has passed since April 15, the Internal Revenue Service is picking out tax filers whose documentation does not add up. For some, this will mean an audit; while for others, it may mean nothing.

But there are likely more than a few Atlanta residents out there who will go through a tax audit in the coming months. They may be a little nervous at the prospect, or they may already be under investgation. In either case, there are a few steps that an audit target needs to remember when they deal with the IRS:

]]>
  • First things first, it is quite rare for someone in a black suit and tie, shades and a duster to come randomly knocking on your door, requesting your financial information. That is the idea many people have when they think of how an audit begins. Actually, most audits begin with a letter from the IRS notifying you that they have questions about your filing.
  • Respond to that letter in a timely manner. It is easy to procrastinate, or to just toss the letter aside and ignore the problem. However, it greatly benefits you to quickly respond. If you lag behind, you could be disqualified for certain protocols, or the IRS may begin automatically enacting the audit without your input.
  • Last but not least, be poised throughout the process. Do not lose your temper. Be as precise and organized as you can when dealing with the IRS, and have all of your necessary paperwork ready.

    • Source: CNN, "How to survive a tax audit," Blake Ellis, April 24, 2013

    ]]>     When you have tax debt, your best course of action is honesty tag:www.pecklc.com,2013:/blog//16526.642157 2013-05-15T16:42:05Z 2013-05-15T16:42:57Z Sometimes when a tax filer makes a mistake on their return, they may not even know it. It could be a misplaced number or decimal, or maybe the wrong paperwork was filed; but in some cases, the filer is overwhelmed... On behalf of The Peck Group, L.C. Sometimes when a tax filer makes a mistake on their return, they may not even know it. It could be a misplaced number or decimal, or maybe the wrong paperwork was filed; but in some cases, the filer is overwhelmed by the convoluted tax process, leading to mistakes.

    In other cases, the filer may slip into an unfortunate financial situation, leaving them short on funds to pay their taxes. As a result, they do not file their tax return one year; which can result in a snowball effect of many years without filing a return. In either scenario, it is important for the filer to address the tax debt issue; so here are some ways that Atlanta residents can go about that.

    ]]> The best decision any tax filer can make when they are under the IRS microscope is to be honest. We know how embarrassing it can be to have serious tax debt; and you may even be ashamed at how you initially handled it. Most people ignore the problem, or avoid it.

    But, if you come clean about the errors, you can come up with a deal with the IRS that allows you to clear your back taxes, get you out of debt with the government and put you back on stable financial footing.

    Now, like we mentioned above, sometimes the filer is not even aware of the mistake they have made. The IRS will likely contact you and want to perform an audit. In that case, you will want to consult an attorney as soon as possible.

    Source: Reuters, "Column: Coming clean on your taxes," Amy Feldman, May 14, 2013

    ]]>     Federal lawmakers will attempt tax code overhaul tag:www.pecklc.com,2013:/blog//16526.635332 2013-05-09T17:51:02Z 2013-05-09T17:51:27Z Two federal lawmakers -- Max Baucus and Dave Camp -- are launching a bipartisan movement to try to simplify the U.S. tax code. Their goal is to make tax filing a more expedient and simple process, while also bolstering the... On behalf of The Peck Group, L.C. Two federal lawmakers -- Max Baucus and Dave Camp -- are launching a bipartisan movement to try to simplify the U.S. tax code. Their goal is to make tax filing a more expedient and simple process, while also bolstering the economy. The details of their plan are not yet known, and the duo know they are in for a tough road, as they describe their task at hand as "very, very difficult."

    Both Baucus and Camp will leave their federal posts in 2014, so they are taking on this joint venture now while they still have a chance. They want public input so that they can craft creative ideas to simplify the tax code. Ultimately, some tax laws would have to change if Baucus and Camp are successful.

    ]]> Obviously, this movement is in the infant stages, so it will be some time before Atlanta residents are affected by the changes, if any, that occur. It is good to note, though, that tax laws are always evolving and being updated to keep up with the times.

    For those who are suffering with tax delinquency, or for those who have had a tax lien placed on them, it is imperative that you consult an experienced tax law attorney as soon as possible. Many others are in less serious situations following their tax returns in April; but they still may require help with a delayed return or a botched filing. If the IRS contacts you and begins to investigate your filing, consult an attorney immediately.

    Source: Bloomberg, "'Max and Dave' Start Public Campaign for Simpler Tax Code," Richard Rubin, May 9, 2013

    ]]>     Different outcomes for two people accused of tax evasion tag:www.pecklc.com,2013:/blog//16526.589294 2013-05-02T19:41:01Z 2013-05-02T19:41:12Z A couple of major tax evasion stories recently made the rounds in the media, and some Atlanta residents have likely read about them; while many others will be interested in the lessons these stories teach. In the first case, a... On behalf of The Peck Group, L.C. A couple of major tax evasion stories recently made the rounds in the media, and some Atlanta residents have likely read about them; while many others will be interested in the lessons these stories teach.

    In the first case, a 62-year-old man was accused of tax evasion because of an offshore bank account he inherited from his father. The man's father instructed his heir to keep the account a secret. So the man did -- to his detriment. He had to pay roughly $1 million in back taxes and had to retire from the military (for which he served 30 years) due to a felony conviction, which led to a 6-month prison sentence.

    ]]> The other case involves a 79-year-old woman, who also had a hidden bank account. She attempted to tell federal officials about it; but her attorney procrastinated, leading to accusations that she was evading taxes. Eventually, things were sorted out when she brought a new lawyer aboard. The woman had to pay substantial back taxes; but she was spared jail time.

    There are a couple of things to learn from these stories, starting with the latter: it is vital to secure experienced and aggressive legal representation when you are being accused of tax evasion, or if you are going through an audit. Without it, you can infringe on your own rights, or be left in an uneviable position regarding your taxes.

    Which brings us back to the first story: trying to keep assets hidden from the Internal Revenue Service is a very risky maneuver, and you should not try it. Discuss things with your lawyer and come up with a plan to reveal any hidden accounts; and then work with the IRS to reach an agreement. Your lawyer can help you out in this regard.

    Source: USA Today, "From 2 tax-evasion sentences, a lesson comes," Kevin McCoy, April 25, 2013

    ]]>     Lauryn Hill still owes more than $500,000 in back taxes tag:www.pecklc.com,2013:/blog//16526.558421 2013-04-23T19:26:24Z 2013-04-23T20:23:42Z Many Atlanta residents will recall last summer's episode that saw famed singer Lauryn Hill being accused of tax evasion for a three year period from 2005 to 2007. She pleaded guilty to this accusation, and agreed to pay $554,000 to... On behalf of The Peck Group, L.C. Many Atlanta residents will recall last summer's episode that saw famed singer Lauryn Hill being accused of tax evasion for a three year period from 2005 to 2007. She pleaded guilty to this accusation, and agreed to pay $554,000 to the Internal Revenue Service in back taxes. Officials say that, to date, Hill has paid roughly $50,000 of that restitution.

    A court hearing for Hill's back taxes case was recently postponed for two weeks, giving her that amount of time to pay off her tax debt.

    ]]> There are a few things to take away from this case, and the first is that tax debt can be a crippling thing for many Americans. In some severe cases, it can lead to a tax lien being placed on an individual, which can make it basically impossible for someone to secure other lines of credit, in addition to other penalties.

    Another aspect to Hill's story that many in-debt Georgia residents will want to know is that Hill is contesting the amount that is owed. This happens often -- the federal government will claim that you owe more than you actually do (or they will try to make you pay old tax debt that has been paid or cleared). With the right defense and an experienced attorney by your side, a successful appeal of the debt can be made.

    Last but not least, Hill is going to have to take out a loan against some of her property to pay off the tax debt. Again, this is not easy for many people to do -- and it is why you need to vigorously defend any tax debt case made against you.

    Source: Rolling Stone, "Lauryn Hill Given Two More Weeks to Pay Back Taxes," Jon Blistein, April 23, 2013

    ]]>     New tax law could cost delinquent federal employees their jobs tag:www.pecklc.com,2013:/blog//16526.541873 2013-04-17T20:23:57Z 2013-04-17T20:26:37Z Well, the tax deadline has come and gone; and with it in the rearview mirror, many people are now turning their attention to their finances to try and plan out how their refund from the government (or payment to the... On behalf of The Peck Group, L.C. Well, the tax deadline has come and gone; and with it in the rearview mirror, many people are now turning their attention to their finances to try and plan out how their refund from the government (or payment to the government) will impact their lives in the next few months.

    For some Georgia residents, it will mean they have to cut back in certain areas. Maybe a few less nights out on the town because the payment they made took a chunk out of their "free spending" means. Maybe some residents can splurge on some new clothing or new equipment because of a sizeable refund.

    ]]> But in the near future, tax filings could be even more important for federal employees than they already are. That's because a new bill is being considered that would lead to the firing of any federal employees who owe back taxes. It would also make any potential candidates for a federal job unqualified for the position.

    The bill has not been voted on yet; but it certainly would have a serious impact on federal workers. It seems that such a law would place unfair penalties on employees working for the government. However, it appears the bill may be more reasonable than it first seems -- the bill will target "seriously delinquent" individuals, likely those that have a tax lien.

    Tax liens can make it nearly impossible for a delinquent individual to secure lines of credit or purchase property. They have to be handled right away. Any individuals who owe back taxes or have a lien placed on them need to consult an experienced legal representative to help them settle their tax debt.

    Source: Washington Post, "House bill would fire tax-delinquent federal workers," Josh Hicks, April 15, 2013

    ]]>     If you did not file your tax return on time, take a deep breath tag:www.pecklc.com,2013:/blog//16526.516273 2013-04-09T21:18:21Z 2013-04-09T21:21:00Z Tax day is next Monday, and there are many people out there who have waited to the last moment to fill out and file their taxes. Don't worry, there is nothing wrong with that approach. Everyone, at some point in... On behalf of The Peck Group, L.C. Tax day is next Monday, and there are many people out there who have waited to the last moment to fill out and file their taxes. Don't worry, there is nothing wrong with that approach. Everyone, at some point in their lives, has let something linger on; they procrastinate and wait until the deadline to do something about whatever task they have to complete.

    Just so long as you have your tax filing in by April 15, and it is accurately reported, you have nothing to worry about. So make sure the math is correct; double check your W-2s and other financial documentation; and put an end to your tax season.

    ]]> However, for some people that may not be the way the April 15 deadline is handled. They may procrastinate so much, or they may be so confused by their complicated filing, that they do not file in time. Including those who purposely do not file, this happens about 10 million times every year; so step one when you fail to file your return on time is "do not panic." This happens a lot.

    Your next step is to contact a tax law attorney. If you skip this step and just file a late return with no plan, an audit is very likely. The Internal Revenue Service has been targeting non-filers for awhile, and it can cause a lot of stress for a targeted individual. So contact a lawyer to help you get your financial documents in order and to come up with a plan to handle your late filing.

    There is a chance that you could qualify for an extension, which would allow you to send in a late filing, but there can be complications. Again, having your attorney by your side will help in this regard.

    Source: Carroll County Times, "Filing for an extension is best solution for tax procrastinators," Kelcie Pegher, April 9, 2013

    ]]>     A few things to know about tax audits and what can cause one tag:www.pecklc.com,2013:/blog//16526.502706 2013-04-05T15:28:50Z 2013-05-23T18:01:29Z On the one hand, a tax audit can be very scary for an individual. A tax audit means you could lose a lot of money; you may have to spend lots of time working with investigators to clear up the... On behalf of The Peck Group, L.C. On the one hand, a tax audit can be very scary for an individual. A tax audit means you could lose a lot of money; you may have to spend lots of time working with investigators to clear up the matter; and you fear how it could impact over aspects of your life.

    On the other hand, though, a tax audit merely has this reputation -- when, actually, about 25 percent of audits impact the individual in no way. The Internal Revenue Service looks things over, decides no action needs to be taken and moves on.

    ]]> For the other 75 percent, these individuals need to prepare for a potentially-frustrating process of the IRS combing through their finances. However, even for these people there is hope. An audit can be expedited by (and your case can be strengthened by) having all of your financial documents organized and prepared, and by bringing in an attorney to help you make your case.

    So how does anyone get to the point of getting audited by the IRS? Well, the conventional answer is "they lied on their taxes." While that is more or less true, it is a bit more complicated than that. The IRS does not look over every tax filing it gets. That would take hundreds of thousands of man hours to perform. Instead, they use a computer system to grade tax filings -- and if your filing deviates too far from the national average, you are marked for a potential audit.

    No one knows exactly how the system works, nor do we know exact criteria that the IRS looks for when an audit is enacted. But, a few common beliefs about the system are that large amounts of deductions that do not coincide with your income level; a vast number of dependants that, again, do not mesh with your income; and a change of address without noting a sale or property (if you have property) can send you down the audit path.

    Source: CBS News, "What triggers an IRS tax audit?," Ray Martin, March 7, 2013

    ]]>     Georgia changes auto tax law to help out those who lease tag:www.pecklc.com,2013:/blog//16526.476774 2013-03-28T20:45:25Z 2013-03-28T20:49:10Z At the beginning of February, we wrote a post about the changes the state of Georgia was about to permit in regards to taxing car purchasers and leasers. The change caused a furor across the entire state as it punished... On behalf of The Peck Group, L.C. At the beginning of February, we wrote a post about the changes the state of Georgia was about to permit in regards to taxing car purchasers and leasers. The change caused a furor across the entire state as it punished leasers by essentially charging them with double taxation. Leasing a vehicle is one of the most common ways to obtain a vehicle, so this change seemed to be a mistake that needed a revision.

    The law took effect on March 1st, applying a 6.5 percent tax on the person making the initial lease, and an additional 6.5 percent tax charge on every monthly payment made thereafter. Purchasers, however, only received a 6.5 percent tax for obtaining the title.

    ]]> But Georgia officials have corrected the mistake, amending the rule retroactive to March 6. With the change in effect, the law still applies a 6.5 percent tax to those entering into a lease deal -- but it eliminates the tax applied to monthly payments.

    There are a couple of things to take note of from this story, and the first is that when local tax laws change, you may be confused as to how the law affects you. It could impact past tax debts that you have, or you may suddenly receive demands from tax agencies.

    In that regard, this change is the perfect example. The original, flawed law took place on March 1 -- but the change is applicable as of March 6. That means during that five day stretch, anyone that leased a vehicle will be in line to pay the 6.5 tax on monthly payments.

    The amended law allows for those who leased a vehicle during this window to get a refund, but that could be a complicated process. It is best for those dealing with this set of circumstances to consult an experienced tax law attorney to help them get through the tax refund process in a more simplified manner.

    Source: Automotive News, "Georgia fixes tax hike on leases," Jim Henry, March 27, 2013

    ]]>     Number of tax-delinquent federal employees takes big jump tag:www.pecklc.com,2013:/blog//16526.468983 2013-03-20T18:00:06Z 2013-03-20T18:33:54Z Many Atlanta residents may think that it is basically impossible for employees at the Internal Revenue Service to owe back taxes, fail to file a tax return or to be delinquent with their taxes in some way. However, that is... On behalf of The Peck Group, L.C. Many Atlanta residents may think that it is basically impossible for employees at the Internal Revenue Service to owe back taxes, fail to file a tax return or to be delinquent with their taxes in some way. However, that is not the case -- roughly 1 percent of Treasury Department employees, which includes the IRS, are tax-delinquent.

    That is part of a tax report by the IRS that looks at federal employees and their standing with the government regarding their finances. The report, focused on the end of the 2011 fiscal year, found that 3.17 percent of federal employees are tax-delinquent (compared to 2.85 percent in 2010). That accounts for more than 310,000 people who owe a combined $3.5 billion in back taxes to the government.

    ]]> So what can we learn from this report? Well, the most glaring point is that it does not matter who you are -- a flawed tax return can come back to hurt you. Everyone needs to realize that trying to get out of paying taxes or neglecting to file a return is not going to help your financial situation. It will only make things worse. The IRS will eventually discover what is up -- and at that point, they will have little sympathy for you.

    However, there are still options for those who are tax-delinquent. The thing is, most people do not know their options. Contacting the IRS outright can help; but having an experienced tax attorney by your side is even better. You can work towards a settlement or a deal that allows you to pay off your tax debt in an appropriate way.

    Source: Money News, "Tax-Delinquent US Employees Increased 11.5% in 2011, IRS Says," March 8, 2013

    ]]>     Social media civility can help prevent an audit tag:www.pecklc.com,2013:/blog//16526.464101 2013-03-13T19:43:45Z 2013-03-13T20:20:37Z Just over a month ago, we wrote a blog post about how to avoid an audit. The most important thing to remember when filling out your taxes is that accuracy is crucial. It should go without saying -- but you... On behalf of The Peck Group, L.C. Just over a month ago, we wrote a blog post about how to avoid an audit. The most important thing to remember when filling out your taxes is that accuracy is crucial. It should go without saying -- but you need to make sure that your tax forms are properly filled out.

    Now, if the Internal Revenue Service still comes knocking, you will want to speak with an attorney immediately. Knowing your rights in such a complicated field of law is crucial; otherwise, the IRS may determine things in their favor simply because you cannot or have no way of appealing your situation.

    ]]> There is another scenario though that tax filers need to be aware of that can lead to an audit. Say you go through the tax filing process appropriately and you get a nice refund. Well, signing on to Facebook or Twitter and letting the world know that you just got a sweet payday could come back to bite you.

    Yes, the IRS -- which can go to extreme measures to investigate your financial situation -- could see your social media banter and use it as justification to launch an audit.

    It may sound like circumstantial evidence, but in many cases, that is all the IRS needs to begin snooping around. Again, the easiest way to avoid an audit is to make sure your financial house is in order -- but even then, there are some post-filing behaviors you can avoid that greatly decrease the chances of the IRS investigating your filing.

    Source: Atlanta Business Chronicle, "Want to avoid an audit? Keep mum on Twitter," Ed Arnold, March 7, 2013

    ]]>