IRS Notices

Preparing for IRS Audits: Best Practices for Business Owners

Preparing for IRS Audits: Best Practices for Business Owners

Recently, the Internal Revenue Service has cracked down on wealthy individuals and big businesses that are not tax-compliant. Although compliance efforts are focused on larger corporations, this does not necessarily mean small to medium-sized businesses are completely exempt from scrutiny. In other words, if you are facing an IRS audit, you are not alone.

Getting an IRS audit notification in the mail can be alarming. However, with careful preparation and help from a qualified tax professional, it's possible to navigate the audit process smoothly while minimizing the risk of penalties and fines. In this guide, we'll outline essential steps to prepare for an IRS audit, covering record-keeping best practices, documentation tips, and strategies for responding to audit inquiries.

Maintain Accurate Records:

This aspect of audit preparation begins long before an IRS notice arrives in the mail. Maintaining accurate financial records year-round should be part of your regular routine as a business owner.

Keep detailed records of income, expenses, deductions, and credits related to your tax return. These will be important while dealing with your auditor.

Invest in accounting software or digital tools to streamline record-keeping processes and ensure accuracy. This can also help you stay organized – you are much less likely to lose digital records than shoeboxes full of receipts!

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Credit: Getty Images/174992759

Document Deductions and Credits:

Keep documentation to support any tax deductions or credits you claimed on your return.

Educate yourself regarding common deductions and credits, such as charitable contributions, business expenses, and education credits. Your tax professional can help you understand what you may be eligible for any given year – remember, requirements can change.

Understand IRS Guidelines:

Read about IRS audit procedures and guidelines to alleviate anxiety and uncertainty.

Be aware that there are different types of IRS audits, including correspondence audits, office audits, and field audits. By learning what to expect during each type of audit, you can prepare for your specific situation.

Familiarize yourself with your rights and responsibilities during an audit, including the option to appeal audit findings if you and your tax professional disagree with the IRS's assessment.

Respond Promptly and Professionally:

If you get an audit letter, the first thing you should do is contact your tax professional. He or she can assist with responding promptly to initial inquiries or requests for additional information from the IRS.

Professionalism and courtesy are key when communicating with IRS auditors, particularly if you write any of your responses or speak to your auditor on the phone without your tax professional present.

Review and Appeal Audit Findings:

Once your auditor has finished their work, ask your tax professional to review the audit findings and assess your options for appealing unfavorable outcomes.

Consider negotiating settlements or installment agreements with the IRS to resolve outstanding tax liabilities. Your tax resolution expert can facilitate this process on your behalf.

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Credit: Getty Images/Utah778

Work with your tax professional to understand what you must do, including any written appeals and representation before the IRS Appeals Office if necessary.

Feature Image Credit: Getty Images/AndreyPopov

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Spencer Wilson

Spencer Wilson

Spencer Wilson, EA is a tax preparer based in Long Beach, CA. Spencer Wilson Financial Management Services has been serving the Greater Los Angeles Area and Orange County since 2004. <br /> We began in the heart of Naples in Long Beach and we continue to work hard offering tax preparation and planning, business accounting and bookkeeping and payroll services . <br /> We have helped many different people and businesses succeed financially and take control over their finances.

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