What Is an IRS Audit?

An IRS audit is a review of an individual’s or business’s tax return to verify its accuracy and compliance with federal tax laws. Audits can be conducted via mail (correspondence audit), at an IRS office (office audit), or at your home or business (field audit). While the IRS audits only about 0.5% of individual tax returns annually, certain factors can increase your audit risk.

Understanding IRS Audit Risk Factors

Several factors can flag your tax return for an IRS audit. By recognizing these triggers, you can take proactive steps to minimize your risk.

1. High Income Levels

• The IRS is more likely to audit taxpayers with higher incomes. For example, individuals earning over $1 million annually face a higher audit rate (around 2-3%) compared to those earning less than $200,000 (under 1%).

• Why? High earners often have complex returns with multiple deductions, investments, or business income, increasing the potential for errors or discrepancies.

2. Unreported or Underreported Income

• Failing to report all income, such as freelance earnings, rental income, or cryptocurrency transactions, is a major audit trigger. The IRS cross-references W-2s, 1099s, and other forms to detect unreported income.

• Example: If you receive a 1099-MISC for freelance work but don’t report it, the IRS’s automated systems may flag your return.

3. Large or Unusual Deductions

• Claiming deductions that are disproportionately large compared to your income can raise red flags. For instance, deducting $20,000 in charitable donations on a $50,000 income may prompt scrutiny.

• Common deductions under review include:

  • Home office deductions

  • Business expenses

  • Charitable contributions

  • Medical expenses

4. Self-Employment or Cash-Based Businesses

• Self-employed individuals and businesses that deal heavily in cash (e.g., restaurants, salons) are at higher risk due to the potential for underreporting income or inflating expenses.

• The IRS closely examines Schedule C filings for sole proprietors to ensure accuracy.

5. Math Errors or Incomplete Filings

• Simple mistakes, such as incorrect calculations or missing forms, can trigger an audit. Even small errors can lead to a correspondence audit to resolve discrepancies.

6. Foreign Accounts or International Transactions

• Failing to report foreign bank accounts (via FBAR or Form 8938) or income from international sources can lead to audits. The IRS has increased scrutiny on offshore assets to combat tax evasion.

7. Random Selection

• Some audits are random, part of the IRS’s National Research Program to gather data on taxpayer compliance. While unavoidable, these are rare.

Best Practices to Minimize IRS Audit Risk

By adopting proactive strategies, you can reduce your audit risk and ensure compliance with IRS regulations. Here are the top best practices:

1. Maintain Accurate and Organized Records

• Keep detailed records of income, expenses, and deductions for at least three years (or seven years for complex returns). Use accounting software like QuickBooks or spreadsheets to track transactions.

• Pro Tip: Digitize receipts and store them securely in the cloud to avoid loss or damage.

2. Report All Income

• Ensure all income sources, including side gigs, investments, and digital assets, are reported accurately. Cross-check 1099s, W-2s, and other forms against your records.

• For cryptocurrency, report all transactions, including trades and sales, as the IRS now explicitly asks about virtual currency on Form 1040.

3. Claim Reasonable Deductions

• Only claim deductions you can substantiate with receipts, invoices, or bank statements. Avoid “creative” deductions that seem excessive for your income level.

• For home office deductions, ensure you meet IRS criteria (e.g., exclusive and regular use of the space for business).

4. Hire a Qualified Tax Professional

• A CPA or enrolled agent can help navigate complex tax situations, such as self-employment, rental properties, or international income. They can also represent you during an audit, reducing stress and errors.

• When to hire: If your return involves multiple income streams, deductions, or foreign assets, professional help is worth the investment.

5. File Electronically

• E-filing reduces the risk of math errors and ensures your return is processed accurately. Use IRS-approved software like TurboTax or H&R Block for added reliability.

6. Double-Check Your Return

• Review your tax return for accuracy before submitting. Common errors to avoid:

  • Incorrect Social Security numbers

  • Mismatched income figures

  • Missing signatures or forms

7. Respond Promptly to IRS Notices

• If you receive an IRS notice, respond within the specified timeframe (usually 30 days). Ignoring correspondence can escalate a minor issue into a full audit.

• Consult a tax professional if you’re unsure how to respond.

8. Stay Informed About Tax Law Changes

• Tax laws evolve, and staying updated can prevent unintentional errors. For example, recent changes to cryptocurrency reporting or gig economy taxes may affect your return.

• Subscribe to IRS newsletters or follow reputable tax blogs for updates.

What to Do If You’re Audited

If the IRS selects your return for an audit, don’t panic. Follow these steps to navigate the process smoothly:

1. Read the IRS Notice Carefully

   • The notice will specify the type of audit, documents required, and deadlines. Note whether it’s a correspondence, office, or field audit.

2. Gather Documentation

   • Collect all relevant records, such as receipts, bank statements, and tax forms, to substantiate your return.

3. Seek Professional Help

   • A tax professional can guide you through the audit, prepare responses, and represent you in meetings with the IRS.

4. Be Honest and Cooperative

   • Provide accurate information and avoid volunteering unnecessary details. Being transparent can expedite the process.

5. Appeal If Necessary

   • If you disagree with the audit findings, you can appeal through the IRS Office of Appeals or, in some cases, pursue legal action.