Types of IRS Audits
Correspondence Audit
The most common type, conducted entirely by mail. The IRS identifies specific items to verify, such as a deduction or credit. Limited in scope, handled by service center employees.
Office Audit
Requires appearing at an IRS office with documentation. More comprehensive, conducted by tax compliance officers who can expand the scope if additional issues are discovered.
Field Audit
The most intensive. A revenue agent visits your home, business, or accountant's office. Reserved for complex returns, high-income individuals, and significant deductions. Revenue agents are the most experienced IRS examiners.
Your Rights During an Audit
The Taxpayer Bill of Rights establishes important protections: professional treatment, representation by attorney/CPA/EA, right to know why information is requested, and right to appeal. You also have the right to limit scope. The IRS cannot conduct a fishing expedition; examination is limited to items in the audit notice.
Common Audit Triggers
High deductions relative to income, large charitable contributions, home office deductions, significant Schedule C losses, unreported income flagged by matching, and EITC claims. The IRS also uses a DIF scoring system that compares returns to statistical norms.
The Appeals Process
If you disagree with results, the IRS Office of Appeals provides impartial review. Appeals officers can compromise based on litigation hazards. Many unfavorable examination results achieve much better outcomes through appeals. If appeals fails, the Tax Court provides judicial review without requiring prepayment of disputed tax.
An IRS audit is not a criminal investigation. It is a verification process. Approach it calmly, respond systematically, and know that every audit has a resolution path.