What Information Will the IRS Examine During a Tax Audit?

 Posted on October 30, 2019 in Tax Audits

If you are the subject of an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) audit, you likely have many questions about what the auditing process will entail. The IRS may have chosen you for an audit after comparing your tax return against “norms” for comparable returns, or you may have been selected because your tax returns involved transactions with other taxpayers who have been selected for an audit. The IRS manages audits through the mail and/or in-person interviews. As part of the auditing process, the IRS will request access to certain documents and financial information that supports the income and deductions claimed on your tax return.

Common Records Requested by the IRS

The documents and records that the IRS will want to examine during an audit can vary depending on your specific circumstances and the basis for the audit. Commonly, the IRS will request copies of:

• Receipts: You may be asked to send the IRS receipts proving purchases you have made or money you have received for a product or service.
• Canceled checks 
• Bills: The IRS may request bills showing the person or entity receiving payment, the type of service received, and the dates on which you paid them.
• Loan agreements: You may need to send copies of loan applications or agreements as well as information about how you used money that was loaned to you.
• Travel logs and tickets: The IRS may want to examine travel plans and dates, mileage information, tickets, and expenses.
• Theft or loss documents: If you experienced a theft or loss, the IRS will want to see insurance reports describing the loss, police reports, adjustor appraisals, and other relevant information.
• Medical records
• Legal documents: The IRS will likely want copies of documents related to property acquisition, tax preparation, divorce settlements, custody agreements, and any civil and criminal cases you have been involved in.

Your Rights During an IRS Audit

It is critical for anyone going through a tax audit to remember that they have certain rights as a taxpayer. In addition to professional and respectful treatment from IRS employees, you also have a right to confidentiality, the right to know why the IRS is auditing you, the right to know how the IRS will use any information gathered, and the right to know what the consequences will be if you do not provide the requested information. Most importantly, you have the right to be represented by a qualified tax lawyer. If you disagree with the IRS’s findings, you have the right to challenge or appeal the IRS auditor’s decision or file a petition with the U.S. Tax Court.

Contact a San Jose, CA Tax Audit Attorney

If you have further questions about audits or tax liability, contact an experienced San Jose tax lawyer at John D. Teter Law Offices. Call us at 408-866-1810 to schedule a confidential consultation today.

Sources:

https://www.irs.gov/taxpayer-bill-of-rights#representation

https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/audits-records-request