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IRS AUDITS AND APPEALS
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Why the Self-Employed Are Audit Targets

Because the IRS claims that most tax cheats are in the ranks of the self-employed, the self-employed are more likely to get audited than regular employees. If you are self-employed, stick to these two rules, at a minimum, to avoid trouble in case you are audited: Claim all of your income, and don't take deductions for items you didn't have to pay for. Here are some more commonsense business practices that will keep you out of trouble.

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When can I toss my tax records?

My file cabinet is bursting at its seams because I have receipts and records from the last ten years! I need to toss all old records but the essentials. How long are you required to maintain personal records in the event of an audit? I was told three years. Is this correct?

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Survive an Audit

  1. Delay the audit.
  2. Don't host the audit.
  3. Have realistic expectations.
  4. Be brief.
  5. Don't offer other years' returns.
  6. Reconstruct records.
  7. Negotiate.
  8. Know your rights.
  9. Consult a tax pro.
  10. Appeal the result.

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