Baltimore Preparing for an IRS Tax Audit

If you are in Baltimore preparing for an IRS tax audit, the experienced lawyers at Whiteford Tax Defense are ready to help. We have helped many individuals, organizations, corporations, and small businesses through this stressful time, and we can help you, too.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment to help prepare for an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) tax audit.

How Do You Prepare for an IRS Tax Audit?

Many points on a tax return could trigger an IRS audit. If a business reports much less income than usual or a self-employed individual fails to report all their income received, the IRS may decide to examine the filer’s information more closely. Significant losses or unusual expenses on a return could also lead to an audit.

Filers Are Notified of an IRS Audit by Mail Only

Once the IRS decides to launch an audit, it notifies the filer by sending a letter in the mail. Any email or phone call from someone claiming to represent the IRS could be a scam. Do not share any financial information with strangers.

Note the due dates of any paperwork listed in the notice. From that point, audits can be completed in person over several meetings or by mail for simple situations.

Gathering Documents

According to the IRS, it may request various records and documents from filers. These could include (but are not limited to):

  • Receipts
  • Bank records
  • Cancelled checks
  • Loan or mortgage documents
  • Employment documents
  • Invoices for services paid in cash
  • Legal paperwork, like divorce papers and child custody agreements
  • Documents associated with thefts or other losses, like insurance claims or police reports

When preparing for an IRS tax audit in Baltimore, gather all the requested records, make copies of them, and organize them properly. Do not send original documents to the IRS; only send copies.

Organize Records, Label, and Ship Copies

The IRS prefers records organized by year, with a total income and expense tally. For instance, a stack of receipts could have a label that says, “2024 fuel receipts, total $34,998.03.”

The IRS Questionnaire

The IRS may also request that you respond to a questionnaire. The IRS questionnaire is relatively simple for most filers. It asks details about marital status, filing status, the filer’s age, and exemptions. Return this by the due date when preparing for a tax audit.

Once the filer returns the requested documents, the IRS will review them and may request more records or in-person interviews.

How an Attorney Can Help With an Audit

Tax defense attorneys have a thorough understanding of complicated tax laws. Beyond acting as your advocate and representative, an experienced lawyer in Baltimore could help you prepare for an IRS audit, prevent unneeded interactions and searches, and stand up for your rights.

In Baltimore Preparing for an IRS Tax Audit? Call Us for Assistance

If you are in Baltimore preparing for an IRS tax audit, we can help ease your mind through this stressful time. From the first notice through document collection, tense interviews, and more, Whiteford Tax Defense is ready to fight tirelessly on your behalf.

We have helped individuals, non-profits, corporations, partnerships, and businesses of any size get through these stressful times, and we look forward to helping you, too.