Receiving an audit notice from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) can be nerve-wracking at first. However, if you have not provided false information or failed to complete your taxes, you may not have anything to worry about. The IRS conducts investigations when they want to examine a person’s or business’s tax filings further. Though the government also performs random assessments periodically. If you recently received a notice in the mail, understanding the different types of audits can help you prepare.
What are the different types of audits?
Typically, if the IRS would like a closer look at your tax filings, they will send you a letter in the mail. Depending on the severity of the alleged infraction, the government could schedule a face-to-face meeting with you or show up at your work. The IRS could conduct any of these audit types:
- Correspondence: For smaller issues, the IRS will contact you by sending an audit notice. The letter will likely include why you are being investigated. After you have fixed any problems with your filing, retaining any receipts or other pertinent information could be beneficial down the road.
- Office: If the government believes you committed a more serious offense, they could invite you to a face-to-face meeting. Bringing any information that could help support your claim could be helpful.
- Field: This audit is for the most severe violations. An agent for the IRS will show up to your place of work. The agent will evaluate the validity of the business by examining available records.
- Random: The IRS will randomly select individuals and businesses to audit each year. You will likely receive a letter in the mail informing you of the audit.
If you or your business is being investigated, there might be nothing to worry about. If you received an invitation for an in-person meeting or had an agent visit your work, consider speaking with an attorney. An experienced attorney can help you respond to the IRS agents promptly and evaluate the severity of the alleged violation.