Top 10 IRS Audit Triggers 👇
1. High Income
Taxpayers earning $500,000 or more are still audited at a higher-than-average rate. High-income earners are under closer watch because larger returns often involve complex deductions, investments, and other details that may raise questions.
2. Excessive Deductions
Claiming deductions significantly higher than what’s typical for your income level can attract IRS attention. Lavish vehicles, meals, travel, and similar expenses are ripe for abuse – and the IRS knows it.
3. Unreported or Undisclosed Income
If you earn money from side gigs, freelance work, or investments and fail to report it, you’re waving a big red flag. The IRS gets copies of your W-2s, 1099s, and other income forms, so discrepancies stand out.
4. Schedule C Filers
Self-employed taxpayers who file Schedule C face heightened scrutiny, especially if they report consistent losses or operate in cash-heavy industries.
5. Claiming a Loss on a Hobby
If you’re reporting losses on an activity the IRS deems a hobby rather than a business, you could be flagged for an audit. To qualify as a business, the activity must have a reasonable expectation of profitability.
6. Deducting Business Meals, Travel, and Entertainment
To claim it, you’ll need detailed records—not just receipts, but also notes on the business purpose and who attended the meal or event. Remember, expenses reimbursed by an employer aren’t deductible.
7. Claiming 100% Business Use of a Vehicle
If you’re claiming a high percentage of business use, detailed mileage logs and records are crucial. Additionally, deducting lavish vehicles that are not “ordinary or necessary” for your business or industry can trigger an audit.
8. Real Estate-Specific Audit Red Flags
The real estate professional status (REPS) is one of the most litigated parts of the tax code because it is ripe with abuse. If you have a full-time W-2 job and claim REPS, you might land yourself in an audit. The Short-Term Rental (STR) Loophole is a legitimate strategy (we have successfully defended audits). Still, it can also trigger an audit due to abuse and IRS misunderstanding of this strategy and REPS
9. Significant Changes Year-Over-Year
A sudden drop in income or spike in deductions compared to previous years can lead to questions. Consistency is key when it comes to tax filings.
10. Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
The IRS estimates that one-third of EITC claims are paid in error. As a result, these claims receive extra scrutiny.
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💣 Otherwise, you may be at risk.
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