Red Flags for Tax Auditors

Here are six flags that may make your tax return prime for an IRS audit.¹

[images style=”2″ image=”http%3A%2F%2Frebelfinancial.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2FHand-holding-red-flag-300×300.jpg” width=”300″ align=”right” top_margin=”20″ bottom_margin=”20″ left_margin=”20″ right_margin=”20″ full_width=”Y”]

The Chance of an Audit Rises with Income

According to the IRS, only about 1% of all individual taxpayer returns are audited. However, the percent of audits rises to 2% for those with incomes between $200,000 and $500,000, and is over 6% for those making between $1 million and $5 million.²

Deviations from the Mean

The IRS has a scoring system it calls the Discriminant Information Function that is based on the deduction, credit and exemption norms for taxpayers in each of the income brackets. The IRS does not disclose its formula for identifying aberrations that trigger an audit, but it helps if your return is within the range of others of similar income.

When a Business is Really a Hobby

Taxpayers who repeatedly report business losses increase their audit risk. In order for the IRS not to consider your business as a hobby, it needs to have earned a profit in three of the last five years.

Non-Reporting of Income

The IRS receives income information from employers and financial institutions. Individuals who overlook reported income are easily identified and may provoke greater scrutiny.

Discrepancies Between Exes

When divorced spouses prepare individual tax returns, the IRS compares the separate submissions to identify instances where alimony payments may be deducted on one return, while alimony income goes unreported on the contra party’s return. Another common tripwire is when both former spouses claim the same dependents.

Claiming Rental Losses

Passive loss rules prevent deductions of losses on rental real estate, except in the event when an individual is actively participating in the property’s management (deduction is limited and phased out) or with real estate professionals who devote greater than 50 percent of their working hours to this activity. This is a deduction to which the IRS pays keen attention.

1. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation.
2. IRS, 2015

The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG, LLC, is not affiliated with the named broker-dealer, state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Copyright 2015 FMG Suite.