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Could You Get Audited in 2014 ?

  Sanjiv Gupta CPA  Published 
Could You Get Audited in 2014 ?

The IRS is on the prowl this year and they could be coming after you. The Internal Revenue Service is able to more easily identify possible red flags that will trigger audits thanks to computerized checks and an improved detection system.

Audits are normally triggered when a tax return is filed containing something unusual such as a deduction that is above average. The taxpayer has nothing to worry about as long as they are able to properly defend the filings with documentation and logic. Unfortunately, if this happens, you will still have to deal with the added stress and the response time.

Below are 9 signs that you might get audited this year.

You Forgot To File One Of The Tax Forms – All tax forms sent out to taxpayers are also sent to the IRS. If you forget to file one of the forms you received with your taxes, the IRS might flag your tax return to be reviewed.

You Are Self-employed – Although it does not seem fair, when a taxpayer is self-employed it can raise red flags. The best advice, if you are self-employed, is to keep track of all of your expenses and all documentation so you are able to defend all credits and deductions that you claim.

You Made A Lot More Money In 2013 – Major changes in this year’s income is a red flag for the IRS. It can mean that the taxpayer has under-reported earnings in the prior year.

You Claimed Losses From One Of Your Hobbies – It is not legal to write hobbies off as business expenses. For example, if you make jewelry as a hobby, you cannot deduct material costs and tools. Now if you were selling the jewelry you made, it would be considered a business and you would be able to deduct those costs. Remember, a business is an endeavor you enter into and conduct with a reasonable expectation of making money.

You Were Exceedingly Charitable This Year – The IRS looks for taxpayers that have inflated donations to charitable organizations. They pay particular attention to people who have donated close to $500 because that is the limit that can be deducted without filing Form 8283.

You Have A Bank Account Overseas – This year, the IRS has additional requirements for taxpayers with banks accounts overseas. If you fail to report one of the requirements, it could be an audit trigger.

The Numbers On Your Forms Do Not Match – If you make a mistake with the numbers on your forms or the amounts do not add up, chances are the IRS will notice and will review your return carefully for any other discrepancies. Make sure you review your return carefully before filing.

Your Deductions Include Expensive Entertainment And Meal Costs – The IRS usually checks high business deductions to ensure the business expense is legitimate.

You Deducted High Home Office Expenses (Not The New Home Office Standard Deduction) – When you itemize your home office expenses, the IRS will often review the tax return to make sure the expenses are really for business purposes. There is a new standard deduction for home office expenses that will not raise any red flags.

You should not worry as long as you know that you filled out your tax return properly. Just make sure that you keep good records of all the deductions and credits you take so you will be prepared if the IRS has any questions.