Many Americans fear being audited or receiving anything other than a refund or confirmation notification from the IRS. According to the IRS, an audit is just a check of your accounts to confirm that information is reported accurately in accordance with tax regulations and that the tax amount recorded is right.
The average person’s chances of getting audited are slim. A random inspection of a federal tax return can occur, but certain actions are more likely to be identified than others. For more information about tax preparation in Naples, FL, speak to an expert today.
Overestimating charitable contributions
The IRS encourages people to contribute clothing, food, and even old automobiles as charitable gifts by providing a tax benefit in exchange for the donation. The IRS prefers that people value the products they donate between 1% and 30% of the original purchase price.
The taxpayer has numerous options for ensuring that donated products are evaluated at a “fair” price. Consider having an appraiser prepare a note stating the item’s value. An appraisal is necessary for individual objects worth $5,000 or more. The IRS employs a test in which taxpayers assign a value to commodities based on the price at which a ready seller would sell their assets to an obliging buyer.
Mathematical errors
While this may seem obvious, many returns are audited for minor arithmetic errors. Ensure the figures are right while completing your tax return or examining it after your accountant finalizes the form. Check your figures for capital gains, interest and taxes paid, and tax credits.
Not signing the return.
Failure to sign the return may result in increased scrutiny and a penalty. If you employ someone to prepare your federal tax return or assist you in completing your federal tax return, they must have a valid PTIN – also known as Preparer Tax Identification Number. Paid preparers must sign the return and provide their PTIN.
Under-reporting income
You must disclose to the IRS all cash received throughout the year from labor or the sale of an asset, such as a home. If you fail to disclose your income, you will certainly be required to pay back taxes, penalties, and interest.
If a person receives cash in exchange for a service and the payer is audited, the IRS may trace the cash transfer from the payer’s bank account to the paid individual. Employers routinely use Form W-2 or Form 1099 to furnish income statements. However, freelance or gig workers might not get income statements and must monitor their earnings throughout the year and register them as earned income on their tax returns.