Press Room

Avoiding a tax audit

Money Management

Monthly financial advice
from the MACPA

For release: March 2009

All taxpayers dread the prospect of facing an Internal Revenue Service audit. There are some steps you can take to minimize the likelihood that you’ll be audited or to ensure a more positive experience if you are, according to the Maryland Association of CPAs.

What’s it all about?

In an audit, the IRS contacts the taxpayer to verify some of the information contained in a filed tax return. The process usually involves a very careful examination of the return.

The IRS is becoming more active in enforcement actions. In 2007, the IRS audited nearly 1.4 million individual tax returns, the highest rate since 1998. Audits of businesses jumped 14 percent, to just under 60,000. Among other reasons, the IRS is trying to reduce the tax gap —- the difference between taxes owed and taxes actually paid —- which the agency estimates is roughly $290 billion.

Accuracy counts

How can you avoid being targeted for an audit?

One easy answer is simply to turn in a tax return that is as accurate, neat and well organized as possible. If your math is wrong or some details are missing, you will find yourself contacted by the IRS. You may not necessarily end up being audited, but it’s best if your return doesn’t attract added scrutiny.

Charitable donations

Don’t take a deduction for a charitable donation unless you have documentation to prove you made it, such as a confirmation letter from the charity. Your return may be scrutinized in particular if you have donated a great deal -— more than 10 percent of your income, as a ballpark figure —- or if you have given away a big-ticket item, such as a car. In general, you must obtain an appraisal for a non-cash item worth more than $5,000.

Of course, there’s no reason to stop being charitable, but be sure to document what you have done.

Home office deductions

This is another deduction that may raise red flags at the IRS. The answer once again is to keep detailed records of your expenses, particularly those that the IRS may believe are really personal items that you are trying to claim as business expenses. You may also be called on to verify the necessity of a home office.

Travel and entertainment documentation

In addition to charitable contributions and home office expenses, other red-flag areas include travel and entertainment deductions.

With that in mind, be sure to keep records of the expenses and the purpose of your business trip. For entertainment, in addition to keeping the receipt, make notes of who you entertained, where you went, how much you paid and what was discussed. This documentation won’t prevent an audit, but it will help you make your case if you are audited.

Keep cool

If you are contacted about an audit, CPAs advise that you try not to panic. Remember that you are not going on trial, you’re simply being asked to back up some of the claims you made on your tax return. It’s best to remain calm and cooperative in your dealings with the IRS.

Consult your CPA

It’s also a good idea to contact your local CPA for advice and assistance in case you are audited. He or she can help you understand the process and work with you to try to achieve the best resolution. Turn to your CPA for help with all the financial issues facing your family.

Only CPAs are equipped to address your full range of financial needs with integrity and insight. In Maryland, CPAs must pass a rigorous two-day examination, adhere to strict ethical and professional standards, and, beyond college, complete 80 hours of continuing education every two years to be certified by the state — accountants do not.

Your doctor is certified; your lawyer is certified. Make sure your accountant is a certified public accountant.

For CPA referrals in your area, contact the MACPA at (410) 296-6250 or click here.

The Maryland Association of Certified Public Accountants (MACPA) is a statewide professional association that provides leadership, information and services for its nearly 10,000 CPA members, who are employed in private practice, industry, government and education. CPAs are business and financial professionals who have passed a rigorous two-day examination in order to be licensed by the state. CPAs are committed to protecting the public interest, and must adhere to stringent ethical and professional standards and continuing professional education requirements.

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