The 9 Common Tax Audit Triggers – Part 1

1. According to statistics, just 0.9 percent of people who make under $200,000 were audited last year, compared to 10.9 percent of those who made over $1 million. If your schedule C shows more than $1 million in sales, the odds of being audited increase substantially. With such increased odds of being audited, you must keep meticulous financial reports.



2. Large deductions that look out of proportion to your sales or income. Deductions that reduce your taxable income substantially are a red flag if they seem too high when compared to your income. The IRS uses tables to decide if your deductions are too high for your income bracket. But don’t go searching for these tables because they aren’t made public. We know that at times, those out-of-proportion deductions are legitimate. For instance when you’re just started your business or during times of slow growth. For this reason, you must keep track of all your deductions and have detailed records if you ever need to substantiate them.                                               

3. Reporting rounded number show likely is it that your investment returns were exactly $1500, or that your mortgage interest deduction was $12,000? Reporting too many round numbers are deemed fishy by the IRS and can trigger an audit. If you made $72,532.65 don’t report $72,500. This kind of reporting is deemed inaccurate and sloppy and if you are found to be inappropriately rounding in one area the IRS will assume you’ve done that in another area of the return. They’ll deem the entire return questionable.


4. Home Office Deductions

Because home office deductions can be so easily abused, last year, the IRS simplified how small business owners can calculate the deduction. But to take this deduction you’ll need to satisfy numerous criteria. This deduction is a big red flag so make sure you’re satisfying every requirement, one such that the home office area be used exclusively for your business.


Have questions about your taxes? Contact us to discuss them. West Midlands Accountants LTD, we are here to offer you support, help you save time, and ensure your records are up to date. Ultimately, we can help you save money. Contact us by phone at 01217 665 477 or email info@westmidlandaccountants.co.uk for more information