If the IRS believes that there is something wrong with your tax return, it may select it for further examination. In some cases, an audit is conducted entirely by mail. However, it may be necessary to go to an IRS office in Georgia to meet with government agents in person.
Common reasons why your return was selected for closer examination
There is a chance that your return was selected at random for additional scrutiny. However, most returns are audited because the IRS believes that you have made an error or have attempted to evade paying taxes. For instance, you may have forgotten to include self-employment income or profits that you made from the sale of stock in the past year. Improperly deducting expenses or claiming charitable contributions that seem excessive can also result in an audit.
What to know about the different types of audits
Generally speaking, a mail audit involves a narrow request for information. In many cases, providing that information in a timely manner can put an end to the audit relatively quickly. If the IRS chooses to conduct a field audit, it may have the power to do a thorough examination of all of your business or personal financial records.
Tips to minimize your risk of being audited
While there is no way to guarantee that your return won’t be audited, there are many things that you can do to reduce your risk. First, you may want to use a computer software program to ensure that your calculations are correct. It is also important to look over your return before you file it for accuracy. Finally, don’t take any deductions or credits unless you can justify them with receipts or other evidence.
If you have received a notice from the IRS, it may be a good idea to consult with an attorney. Legal counsel may be able to craft a strategy that can help avoid some or all of the negative consequences that audits could come with.