Have you ever wondered what your chances are of being audited by the IRS? The IRS conducts tax audits to ensure financial information is reported properly according to the tax laws. These audits help reduce the “tax gap” (i.e., the difference between what the IRS is owed and what they actually receive). When selecting which returns to audit, the IRS uses both automated and manual procedures. While some of these audits are random, others are triggered when the IRS identifies certain red flags, as described below. You can reduce your exposure to audits by working with a tax professional to eliminate the red flags within your control.

All tax documents you receive are also submitted to the IRS. It is important that you report all income from all sources. Failing to report all of your income increases your likelihood of being audited.

Although it may seem unfair, getting a significant raise may prompt an audit.

Claiming too many deductions or credits as compared to others with similar tax profiles may garner increased IRS scrutiny. These include things like alimony, home, and charitable deductions.

Taking early payouts from your qualified accounts result in taxes and penalties, but it might also trigger an IRS audit.

Believe it or not, self-employment can be a red flag for the IRS. Your chances of being audited increase when you claim certain costs as a business expense. This includes costs associated with your home office. As long as you are careful with your receipts and can track any deductions and credits you take, you shouldn’t have anything to worry about.

Although business lunches and entertainment can be legitimate business expenses, frequent or substantial write-offs may get the attention of the IRS.

Large losses are often a red flag for the IRS, especially if the losses could be considered a hobby. Generally, in order to deduct a loss, you must be able to prove that you have a legitimate business and that the losses incurred relate to your business.

Although donating to charity is an admirable event, the IRS is on the lookout for those who state they donated more than they actually did. The key to donating in any instance is to maintain your receipts in case you ever get audited.

With our clients’ permission, we will work closely with their legal and tax advisors to gain a more holistic understanding of their situation and to help manage their wealth in a tax-advantaged way.