The day you hoped would never come has arrived: you check your mail, and nestled inside is a plain envelope titled “Official Government Business.” The return address is from the IRS, and you realize you’ve been selected to be audited.
It might seem terrifying right now, but take a deep breath, because you can get IRS relief in Des Moine, IA by hiring the right help. A knowledgeable tax and accounting professional can help you get through this, and learn how to avoid another audit down the road. Read on to learn more about how to prepare for your audit.
- Choose A Skilled Tax Professional
So many of us think we’re doing just fine with our own style of bookkeeping, but then we run into an audit and learn that something we’re doing just isn’t going well. At this point, it’s time to enlist the services of a skilled tax accountant. Look for someone who has experience with the auditing process and knows what to do. It’s up to you, but if you are comfortable, you may grant your accountant an “IRS Power of Attorney,” which will give them permission to attend the audit on your behalf and make sure any information you give out is appropriate and relevant.
- Get Your Papers In Order
If you’re a fastidious record keeper, this step will be a piece of cake. If you tend to be more absent minded, this might take more time for you. Either way, make this step your first priority after you choose your accountant. Focus on gathering all of your paychecks, and any expenses you’ve claimed – such as medical or business expenses, for example. It’s common to find some papers missing in your records, simply because time has passed and they’ve gotten lost. In this case, call the proper entities and request a replacement copy as soon as possible.
- Do Your Homework
Your tax accountant is your rock during the auditing process, but it’s still important for you to understand the process on your own so that you feel completely confident with what’s coming up. Ask your accountant for some literature on the subject, and query your friends about their experience with any past audits for some real life examples. Research commonly asked questions that might come up at the audit hearing.
- Be brief and Courteous
When we get nervous, sometimes we tend to ramble on. Resist this urge at the hearing, and remember that you need to be careful as you choose our words. Again, your tax accountant can prep you in this area.
- Think About What You’ve Learned
Use the audit to become better at bookkeeping, and find a tax accountant to work with year round so you don’t run into this situation again. Remember, IRS Relief in Des Moines IA is possible with the right support!