Skip to content 
The Reality of an IRS Audit
Every year, millions of Americans fret over the possibility of receiving that dreaded notice in the mail: a declaration from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) stating your taxes are under audit. The mere thought of an IRS audit can be intimidating. Yet, with adequate preparation, expert advice, and proper understanding of the process, the audit experience can be a much less harrowing ordeal. At Brightside Tax Relief, we use our nation-wide tax relief expertise to aid our clients and enable a smoother, less stressful audit process.
Understanding What an IRS Audit Is
To prepare for an IRS audit, it is crucial to understand what it precisely entails. In simple terms, an IRS audit is a review or examination of an organization’s or individual’s accounts and financial information conducted by the IRS. These audits are held to ensure that taxpayers are complying with tax laws and accurately reporting their income, expenditures, and credits. However, it’s crucial to note that an audit doesn’t necessarily imply you’ve done anything wrong. It may simply be a part of their random selection process.
Reasons for an IRS Audit
Several factors might trigger an IRS audit. These include:
* Discrepancies or errors in your tax return
* High income or large deductions claimed relative to income
* Frequent, extensive losses on a Schedule C (Profit or Loss from Business)
* Considerable transactions or dealings with foreign entities
* Random selection
Types of IRS Audits
The IRS employs three primary types of audits:
1. Mail Audits: The most common and least severe, these involve the IRS requesting additional information to verify parts of your tax return.
2. Office Audits: A bit more serious, here, a detailed interview is conducted, and you may be asked to provide specific documents for verification.
3. Field Audits: The most rigorous. The IRS visits your home or business for a thorough check of your records.
Preparation for an IRS Audit
Preparation is key to navigating an IRS audit successfully. Below, you will find some essential steps you can take:
Review the Audit Notice
The first step in preparing for an IRS audit is understanding the issues the IRS has identified. Thoroughly read the audit notice, paying specific attention to which tax year(s) and items are being audited. It will also provide the information on what supporting documents you need to provide.
Gather Relevant Documents
After identifying the items under scrutiny, gather all the relevant documents that support your filed tax returns. These can include bank statements, pay stubs, receipts, invoices, and previous tax returns.
Consult a Tax Professional
Dealing with the IRS can be complex and demanding. As such, it’s recommended you engage a tax expert to guide you through the process, particularly if it’s an office or field audit. At Brightside Tax Relief, our experienced team can provide the necessary guidance and assistance to ensure your rights and interests are protected.
Treat the Audit Seriously
Regardless of the reason or type of audit, treat the audit seriously. Provide the IRS with honest, accurate, and timely responses. Failing to do so can lead to penalties, interest, or potential legal action.
Navigate the IRS Audit with Brightside Tax Relief
Surviving an IRS audit doesn’t necessarily mean “winging it.” It’s about understanding what an IRS audit entails, assembling all the necessary paperwork, consulting with a tax professional, and responding in a sincere and punctual manner.
Brightside Tax Relief brings a wealth of tax relief expertise, offering tailored expert solutions to make your audit experience less stressful. Take heart, knowing that you’re not alone in this – we’re by your side, ready to guide you through your IRS audit, every step of the way.
Information about IRS Audits is also available on the official IRS website.
Conclusion
While the thought of an IRS audit may be intimidating, it doesn’t have to send you into a panic. By understanding what triggers the audits, being prepared, and leveraging the expertise of a seasoned tax professional, you can navigate through the audit process with confidence. With Brightside Tax Relief at your side, you can rest assured we’ll do everything we can to ease the audit process for you.
