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Documents the IRS Auditor Will Request

If you’ve been selected for an audit, you may wonder which documents you’ll need to provide. You are required by law to keep any records you used to prepare your tax return for at least three years after the date the return was filed. Although it might be overwhelming and frightening, it might not be as bad as you think. Any of the documents the IRS might request would have been used to file your tax return, so you should already have them on hand. Here are some of the records and documents the IRS auditor will request so that you can be prepared for this scenario.

Records that Support Your Return

The specific records you’re asked for will vary depending on your personal circumstances, but in general, the IRS will ask you to submit the records you used to prepare your return. These will be records that support your level of income and any credits or deductions you claimed. You may also be allowed to send in some electronic records. If you own a small business or are self-employed, you are required by law to keep tax records for at least three years after the date the return was filed.

You should organize any records you bring or send. This will prevent errors and help your audit process go faster. Additionally, it will give you peace of mind! Organize any records you submit by year and type of expense or income. Include a summary of relevant transactions.

If you use representation, and you should, you may be able to reduce the number of documents that the auditor requires, especially if the auditor begins to dwell on immaterial items.

Types of Documents the IRS Auditor Will Request

The records you might have to gather can vary according to your particular finances and situation. The types of records your auditor might request include copies of:

• Receipts that can prove mileage or show dollars paid or received for a service.
• Bills, including the name of the organization or person receiving the payment, the type of service and the date paid.
• Canceled checks used to pay bills.
• Legal documents such as divorce settlements and custody agreements, property acquisition documents, civil or criminal defense papers, or tax preparation or advice documents.
• Loan agreements

Other documents include loan agreements, logs or diaries that show travel, business purpose, mileage, gambling winnings and losses, or job-hunting activity and expenses. Further, you could be asked for copies of travel and lottery tickets, medical and dental records, theft or loss documents, employment documents, or Schedule K-1 forms. In an audit by mail, you may also be asked to fill out a questionnaire. You can go to the IRS website to print these out ahead of time.

This list is in no way a complete list of the documents the IRS auditor will request. The documents the IRS will ask for will usually be supporting evidence for information you have already included in your tax return. This is one of the reasons it’s never a good idea to cheat on your taxes or fill in information that you can’t prove with documentation.

Contact An Experienced NYC Tax Attorney Who Can Help

If you are being audited, you might be nervous about what you expect. Many times, you can provide the copies of the requested documents and you’ll be fine. However, if this isn’t possible or if you have other concerns regarding your taxes, you need the assistance of qualified NYC tax attorney at Mackay, Caswell & Callahan, P.C.

If you have been audited or need assistance with any other tax issue, let us help. Fill out our online contact form or call 844-MCC-4TAX (622-4829) to speak with an experienced tax lawyer from one of our offices in Albany, New York City, Rochester, Syracuse, Utica, and Watertown.