IRS audit rates are historically low, according to a recent Government Accountability Office (GAO) report, but that’s little consolation if your return is among those selected to be examined. The IRS recently received additional funding in the Inflation Reduction Act to improve customer service, upgrade technology, and increase audits of high-income taxpayers. But with proper preparation and planning, you should fare well.
From tax years 2010 to 2019, audit rates of individual tax returns decreased for all income levels, according to the GAO. On average, the audit rate for all returns decreased from 0.9% to 0.25%. IRS officials attribute this to reduced staffing as a result of decreased funding. Businesses, large corporations, and high-income individuals are more likely to be audited but, overall, all types of audits are being conducted less frequently than they were a decade ago.
There’s no 100% guarantee that you won’t be picked for an audit because some tax returns are chosen randomly. However, preparing in advance is the best way to survive an IRS audit. On an ongoing basis, you should systematically maintain documentation — invoices, bills, canceled checks, receipts, or other proof — for all items to be reported on your tax returns. Keep all records in one place.
Common audit triggers
It also helps to know what might catch the attention of the IRS. Certain types of tax-return entries are known to involve inaccuracies so they may lead to an audit. Here are a few examples:
- Significant inconsistencies between tax returns filed in the past and your most current return,
- Gross profit margin or expenses markedly different from those of other businesses in your industry, and
- Miscalculated or unusually high deductions.
Certain types of deductions may be questioned by the IRS because there are strict recordkeeping requirements for them — for example, auto and travel expense deductions. In addition, an owner-employee’s salary that’s much higher or lower than those at similar companies in his or her location may catch the IRS’s eye, especially if the business is structured as a corporation.
What to do when you receive a letter
If you’re selected for an audit, you’ll be notified by letter. Generally, the IRS doesn’t make initial contact by phone. But if there’s no response to the letter, the agency may follow up with a call.
Many audits simply request that you mail in documentation to support certain deductions you’ve claimed. Only the strictest version, the field audit, requires meeting with one or more IRS auditors. (Note: Ignore unsolicited emails or text messages about an audit. The IRS doesn’t contact people in this manner. These are scams.)
The tax agency doesn’t demand an immediate response to a mailed notice. You’ll be informed of the discrepancies in question and given time to prepare. Collect and organize all relevant income and expense records. If anything is missing, you’ll have to reconstruct the information as accurately as possible based on other documentation.
If you’re audited, our firm can help you:
- Understand what the IRS is disputing (it’s not always clear),
- Gather the specific documents and information needed, and
- Respond to the auditor’s inquiries in the most effective manner.
Contact Barnes Wendling CPAs for assistance
The IRS normally has three years within which to conduct an audit, and an audit probably won’t begin until a year or more after you file a return. Don’t panic if the IRS contacts you. Many audits are routine. By taking a meticulous, proactive approach to tracking, documenting, and filing your company’s tax-related information, you’ll make an audit less painful and even decrease the chances you’ll be chosen in the first place. Your Barnes Wendling CPAs advisor can help assist you with an IRS audit or any questions you may have.
© 2022
Related Insights
Featured Client Testimonials
BW is a true partner to us. Their knowledge, expertise, and service are a valuable resource to us and play an important role in our success!
John Allen - Vice President of Finance, Kaufman Container
Featured Client Testimonials
I appreciate the exceptional tax advice we received over the years. The (BW team) has a good grasp of our business needs. Thank you for your excellent service.
John Griffiths - Owner, Rae Ann, Inc.
Featured Client Testimonials
The BW team has been fantastic to work with; both the team member at our office as well as at the partner level. Any issues or concerns are handled very efficiently and effectively.
Kelley Needham - Chief Executive Officer, Epilepsy Association
Featured Client Testimonials
Barnes Wendling has been our company accountants for over seven years. Their knowledge has been instrumental in helping us grow strategically during this time. And although we’ve seen many changes in our economy that we cannot control, we’ve always been able to trust the Barnes team to be by our side. The Barnes team feels like family. We can’t thank them enough for their support!
Christine Kloss - Controller, AT&F
Featured Client Testimonials
Barnes Wendling has been our company accountants for over 15 years. During this time, the business has grown exceptionally, and Barnes has kept pace, providing accurate, quality advice. Our finances are more efficient than ever, and the expense of hiring Barnes has been a definite positive add to our bottom line. I give my highest recommendation to their firm.
David Miller, MD - President, Retina Associates of Cleveland
Featured Client Testimonials
Barnes Wendling has provided us guidance and recommendations that have strategically helped strengthen our business and position ourselves for growth. We needed to hire a new VP of Finance and Controller this past year, and they were instrumental in helping us find the best candidates for our company.
Sara Blankenship - President, Kaufman Container
Featured Client Testimonials
We value the trust, accuracy of information, and reliability of Barnes Wendling and Mike Essenmacher personally. Mike has been instrumental as a trusted advisor on accounting, tax, and personnel issues. His advice is always accurate, and he is very reliable. His associates are also very talented.
Dominic Ozanne - President and CEO, Ozanne Construction Company
Featured Client Testimonials
We value Barnes Wendling’s expertise with all things accounting so we can operate our business using our strengths and allowing them to be our experts. They have also brought me a few business sale opportunities to allow me to grow my assets.
John Gaydosh - President and Metallurgical Engineer, Ohio Metallurgical Service
Featured Client Testimonials
Barnes Wendling (especially Lena) did a great job with our financials. Everything. It is extremely refreshing and comforting to know that all of our numbers are not only correct, but they are in the right place(s). Your diligence and reporting truly does make me (personally) feel better.
Thomas Adomaitis - Controller, Bialosky Cleveland
Featured Client Testimonials
I can wholeheartedly tell you that I have yet to work with an audit or tax team that have been more helpful, easy to work with, and committed than the team at Barnes Wendling- I have been through three different firms in the last few years.
Michelle Saylor, Former Controller, Aero Mag
Featured Client Testimonials
Floyd Trouten at Barnes Wendling CPAs is an “expert’s expert” when it comes to M & A accounting. Not only does he understand the evolving details of the Tax Code but he also sees the fine points of their application for owners, managers, investors, and financiers.
Mark A. Filippell, Western Reserve Partners
Featured Client Testimonials
The service is amazing at Barnes Wendling CPAs. The benefit is worth more than the cost. Sometimes it’s true that you get what you pay for.
Mark Boucher - Former Owner, Castle Heating & Air