An IRS audit is a review/examination of an organization’s or individual’s accounts and financial information to ensure information is being reported correctly, according to the tax laws, to verify the amount of tax reported is accurate.
Publication 556, Examination of Returns, Appeal Rights and Claims for Refund explains the audit process in more detail.
Audit Selection
Selecting a return for audit does not always suggest that an error has been made. Returns are selected using a variety of methods, including:
Random selection and computer screening – sometimes returns are selected based solely on a statistical formula.
Document matching – when payor records, such as Forms W-2 or Form 1099, don’t match the information reported.
Related examinations – returns may be selected for audit when they involve issues or transactions with other taxpayers, such as business partners or investors, whose returns were selected for audit.
An audit may be conducted by mail or through an in-person interview and review of the taxpayer’s records. The interview may be at an IRS office (office audit) or at the taxpayer’s home, place of business, or accountant’s office (field audit). The IRS will tell you what records are needed. Audits can result in no changes or changes. Any proposed changes to your return will be explained.
A written request for specific documents needed, will be provided to you.
The law requires you to retain records used to prepare your return. Those records generally should be kept for three years from the date the tax return was filed.
The IRS does accept some electronic records. Contact your auditor to determine what can be accepted to ensure a software program is compatible with the IRS’s.