Dear Prism experts,
How do I avoid the IRS tax audit?
Answer:
Ah yes, the dreaded IRS tax audit! No one likes it when the burden of proof is on you... And while no one is 100% safe from the audit, there are a few things you can do to minimize the risk of a tax audit:
1. Avoid anything unusual that makes your return stand out. What is common between unusual forms, unusual deductions, and strange calculations that you yourself don't understand? That's right, trouble!
2. Look out for drastic changes on your tax return. You made $50,000 for the past five years and now you made only $5,000? Hmm, very suspicious! It may be a small typo on your part, but it will stand out.
3. Use an expert to help you prepare your return. There are many qualified tax accountants available to help you - from volunteer tax preparers in your community to paid professionals that can help you squeeze out the most from your return. It is especially a good idea to use the expert if your tax situation changed drastically and you know that your return will stand out.
Basically,
Avoid anything that makes your tax return stand out: unusual forms, unusual deductions, drastic year-to-year changes, etc.
