| One of the scariest pieces of mail you can receive is | | | | that item altogether. |
| notification of an Internal Revenue Service audit. First | | | | ·Do not bring originals. Only take copies with you. |
| of all, try to not to panic and follow this advice. | | | | You are the owner of all your original documents; it is |
| ·Do not ignore the audit. Ignoring this will not make it | | | | vital never to provide the originals except for someone |
| any better, but it will definitely make it worse. | | | | to copy. In that case, do not let them leave out of |
| ·Follow the instructions detailed in the audit notice. | | | | your sight and don’t you leave without them. |
| The audit notice will tell you what to do and what you | | | | ·Do not talk too much. Do not volunteer any |
| need to have in your possession for the audit. | | | | information. Simply respond to the questions asked |
| ·Organize your paperwork and documentation. The | | | | you in a short, precise manner. Do not go into |
| Internal Revenue Service is very organized. They will | | | | explanations voluntarily. Try to answer most |
| recognize and appreciate if you come prepared. | | | | questions with a simple yes or no. |
| ·If you are missing any of the records your audit | | | | ·Be aware of all your rights as a taxpayer. You |
| requires, request copies immediately. Not having | | | | want to settle your audit if you can, but realize that |
| proper documentation or missing paperwork will just | | | | one of your rights is the right to appeal. |
| delay the audit and probably annoy the Internal | | | | You may want to take this opportunity to consult a |
| Revenue Service. | | | | tax professional. If a professional prepared your |
| ·Make a nice appearance. It is suggested to dress | | | | income tax returns, they should be willing to help you in |
| corporate casual. Do not go to an Internal Revenue | | | | any manner they can regarding your audit. Many tax |
| Service Audit in blue jeans or torn and battered | | | | professionals agree to accompany their clients should |
| clothes. | | | | they face an Internal Revenue Service audit. If you |
| ·Only bring the documentation they request. Do not | | | | paid such a service to prepare the return about which |
| bring extra paperwork to the audit. If they ask for | | | | you are being audited, contact them immediately and |
| something that they didn’t initially request, tell them it | | | | ask for their assistance. |
| must be in your files. They may drop consideration of | | | | |