Will Your Tax Return Draw the IRS’s Attention?

Businessman,Holding,Magnifying,Glass,And,Tablet

No one wants to experience a tax audit. The good news is that most people never will have to go through that experience. The IRS simply doesn’t have the time and resources to audit every tax return. In fact, the IRS only audits about 1 percent of all returns. That means most people don’t have to worry about being audited. However, if you want to be extra careful and decrease your odds off being chosen even more, there are some tips to keep in mind when you file your tax return.

There are some red flags that could increase your chances of catching the IRS’s all-searching eye. Here are a few of them:

  • You make a lot of money
  • Your deductions are higher than normal
  • Your charitable deductions are high
  • You don’t report all taxable income
  • You own or run a small business
  • You claim the alimony deduction
  • You claim a loss for a hobby
  • You claim rental loss
  • You deduct a lot of business expenses: travel, entertainment and meals
  • You don’t report a foreign business account
  • You cash out some of your 401k or IRA early
  • You claim large gambling losses or don’t report big winnings

These are some of the most common ways to get the IRS’s attention, but if you avoid these kinds of things you might reduce your chance of an audit.

However, there is no full-proof way to avoid an audit, but keep this in mind: as long as you are being honest on your taxes you don’t have anything to worry about. Even if you are selected for an audit you will come out unscathed if you have nothing to hide. Another thing that can help is to contact a professional tax preparer to do your taxes for you. This will decrease errors and your chances of being selected for an audit. Contact GROCO if you need help with your taxes. Call 1-877-CPA-2006, or click here.

Posted in

Succession Planning for Business Owners

Succession Planning for Business Owners “How can I arrange for the transfer of my business when I retire and yet be able to keep peace in the family?” That’s a common question asked by owners of successful businesses when the time comes to turn over the reins to the next generation. And, although there are…

Testimonials

Testimonials

Testimonials Over the years, the partners and staff at GROCO® have earned the appreciation and respect of their clients. This has been achieved through hard work, expertise, and a dedication to excellent service. Read the following testimonials to see how GROCO® has succeeded in not only meeting but surpassing client expectations. Do you a have…

Mortgage Refinance with bad credit

A Mortgage Refinance with Bad Credit – The Pros and Cons

A Mortgage Refinance with Bad Credit – The Pros and Cons To many, the term ‘bad credit’ is the end of the world when it comes to getting financing in the near future. However, it doesn’t always have to be like that, you can take the bad credit mortgage refinance option! Mortgage refinance vs. equity…

Deducting Job Search Expenses

Deducting Job Search Expenses

Deducting Job Search Expenses If you or someone in your family is looking for a new job, you should be aware of the income tax deduction that may be available with respect to job-search costs. Qualifying expenses are deductible even if they don’t result in a new position being offered or accepted. What are job…