How to Conduct Yourself During an IRS Audit

You are about to experience a full-blown audit on a recent tax return. How will you conduct yourself? Here are some essential guidelines.
Procure professional help: Get yourself represented by an enrolled agent, CPA or a tax attorney. Your tax professional knows your rights, the IRS code and tax regulations. Expect an adept professional to argue and negotiate effectively, and not be intimidated.
Delay the meeting: It is in your best interest to allow your professional and yourself as much time as possible to prepare.
Be prepared: Enter the audit with all the required documents neatly arranged. This is usually looked on favorably by the auditor.
Dress the way you normally do for work. If you own an auto repair shop, do not attempt to impress the auditor by wearing a suit.
Be brief: Saying too much could cause further questions, or a demand to see an additional tax return.
Answer questions with just a “yes” or a “no” whenever possible. Minimum is better: Only fulfill the auditor’s request. Do not present documents not asked for, such as another year’s tax return. Do not give the auditor original documents: Provide only copies. Auditors may lose your originals.
Professional Tax & Financial Services is located at 25124 Springfield Ct., Ste. 260 in Valencia. For more information, please call 661-259-1967 or 1-800 998-4829. You may also visit www.protaxservices.com.