If you have received a notice that you will be audited by the IRS, don’t panic. Just because you’ve been selected for an audit doesn’t mean you are suspected of criminal activity, but it does indicate that the IRS needs more information to understand your finances better. With preparation, knowledge, and the help of a tax service professional, you’re sure to get through the audit process as quickly and efficiently as possible.

What Do You Need to Do if The IRS Audits You?

1. Respond & Hire a Professional

The first thing you should do when you find out you’ve been selected for an audit is to respond to the notice as soon as possible. Ignoring it won’t make it go away and will only cause further problems for you down the line. The next step is to contact a tax service professional. Someone with training and experience in tax audits will be an invaluable resource for you throughout the process and will make sure the audit is completed correctly the first time.

2. Organize Your Records

Help make the process smoother and more efficient by organizing your records ahead of time. Remember that the responsibility of proving your deductions falls on you, not the auditor. Try to group them in a way that makes sense based on the items that are being examined during the audit and ask banks or lenders for duplicates of any documents that are missing. Don’t forget to ask your tax service advisor for advice on which materials to include and which to exclude.

3. Don’t Send out Original Documents

The IRS isn’t responsible for any documents that are lost while in its possession. Avoid the hassle of having to replace your originals by only providing the auditor with copies of your documents. If you only have originals, ask the agent to make copies before you leave.

4. Know Your Rights

While you should strive to be agreeable and compliant during the audit, you should also remember that you have rights as a taxpayer. One of those is to have a CPA or other tax service professional represent you or accompany you to the meetings. You also have the right to courteous treatment by IRS employees, as well as a claim to know why the IRS needs certain information from you. Other rights include privacy and confidentiality, as well as the ability to appeal disagreements during the audit process.

Get help with your tax audit by contacting Tostrud & Temp, S.C. in La Crosse, WI. These tax service professionals have more than 35 years of experience in the accounting industry, including tax preparation and audits. They always strive to prioritize client satisfaction while providing outstanding accounting services. Learn more about this accounting firm online or schedule an appointment by calling (608) 784-8060 today.