Any matter pertaining to the Internal Revenue Service can be complicated, difficult to understand and overwhelming. You may find simply preparing your taxes or knowing how to file your taxes can be a complex matter, which means that an audit will be especially overwhelming. The Internal Revenue Service has the ability to initiate an audit against any Georgia taxpayer, possibly resulting in high fines and legal complications.
If you get notice that you could be facing an audit, you may experience a sense of panic. The IRS is an impersonal agency that is not easy to work with, and you may not know what to do to protect yourself going forward. It could be in your interests to learn more about what to expect from an audit and the steps you can take that will allow you to avoid additional complications.
Know what happens next
Not only do you have the right to know what to expect from an audit, but you also have the right to know what you can do to protect yourself and avoid additional complications. IRS audits are daunting, but in reality, they are not as dramatic as what you may have seen in the movies. The following information may be helpful if you find yourself in this situation:
- You will receive notice from the IRS that it has scheduled you for an audit. This letter will specify what year they will look at and what information they need from you.
- You will need to provide the required documentation by the date listed in the letter.
- Keep detailed records at every step, and make sure that you are providing accurate information.
- During the audit, only answer the specific questions asked of you, and don’t provide unnecessary information.
- Don’t navigate this process alone.
The audit process can be complicated, and your future interests may be on the line. If you received notice of an audit, remain calm and begin taking the necessary steps to shield yourself going forward.
Protection and guidance
The guidance of an experienced professional is useful during the audit process. If you are facing this, the first thing you may want to do is seek counsel. Before you do anything else, an assessment of your audit and the details of your finances can provide you with insight regarding the severity of your situation, your IRS audit defense options and what you can expect from start to finish.