There are basically three kinds of audits
In most audit situations the auditor is just interested in making sure you reported items on your tax return correctly.
Often they will ask you to bring with you copies of your tax returns for the year prior to and the year after the year that is being audited. A lot of people fall into this one. You don't have to provide those years unless the audit of the year in question indicates the same error probably occurred in the other years also.
Never give up your original records! Only give them photo copies.
Do You Need Professional Help?
You have the right to Representation!
You do not have to deal with the IRS alone, or at all! You can be represented by an Enrolled Agent (EA), CPA or an Attorney.When you meet with the IRS without a Representative and you feel you need help, you can request to delay the meeting until you can obtain a Representative. Generally they will give you up to 30 days.
Correspondence Audit
This audit is usually done by mail. This is where they find something that is not right in your tax return and they send you a letter about it and ask you to provide some information to support a position you have taken on your tax return in regards to an income or deduction item.
Office Audit
This audit is usually conducted in a local IRS office. You go in and meet with the auditor to review your records.
Field Audit
This audit is usually conducted at your home or place of business so they can observe more about you and/or verify some of your claims.
Do You Need Professional Help?
Copyright © 2001-2008 by Gary W. Lundgren, EA
