How to Prepare for an Audit From the IRS

Everyone dread’s the thought of one day opening up a letter from the IRS to find out that they’re being audited. So now what? How should you reply to a letter like this?

If is understandable that you may be scared about meeting with the auditor, but the best advice you can get is to not panic. Gather all your expense receipts and accounting records together when preparing yourself. Be careful to get all the information together and try not to worry about what the auditor will say or do. You can only control what you can control.

Prior to you deciding to put it to the side for a later date, take a few moments and start planning how you’re going to respond to it. Get on the phone with the IRS and determine what is happening and at what time are they wanting to review your paperwork. This is an easy phone call that may assist you in determining what information you will need to get together before the meeting.

Remember when you are on the phone with the IRS representative that it is not their fault you are being audited. They are simpliy answering the phone and trying to help you. If you have been up front and honest about your situation, there really is no reason to be worried.

If you need some additional time to get all your information together, you can ask for a postponement. A postponement can be asked for and granted in many circumstances. Also, if you have be upfront with the IRS you stand a better chance of getting the postponement granted. Now this is very important: do not postpone calling until the last minute either! Get on the phone and get your request in early. Explain to them that you need more time to get the information together.

In Closing

Finally, it’s important to recognize that just about all audits are merely called for because of small mistakes. You probably added up or deducted incorrectly, or wrote down the information on the wrong line. That type of matter happens daily. This audit advice is to not be afraid, be honest about what is going on, and then fix the mistake. By approaching the situation with a positive attitude, the IRS auditor will be willing to work with you. Despite popular belief they are human too.

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