In reality TV, surviving is all about eating bugs, pretending to make friends with your rivals and not being voted off of the island. When it comes to surviving an audit by the Internal Revenue Service, life is more complicated.
Experts say that keys to getting through an audit include taking your time, having your paperwork in order and having at your side an experienced tax attorney who knows tax law, the audit process and the IRS.
One of the keys to surviving an audit is to understand that you don't have to rush to find every receipt and tax document. You can ask for additional time to collect, clarify and organize your records and other documents.
Also, familiarize yourself with the Taxpayers' Bill of Rights. In it, the IRS states that you have the right to appeal its findings. So even if the agent comes to a decision you don't agree with, remember that you and your attorney can appeal to an Office of Appeals and in U.S. Tax Court.
Finally, most experts agree that the best place for an IRS audit is at the IRS office rather than in your Cleveland home. While you’re in the office, remember, too, that you can pause the proceedings to discuss matters with your counsel.
Your tax attorney gets you through the audit process, protecting your rights and interests along the way. An experienced tax attorney evaluates all your options -- from negotiating with an auditor to going to tax court to filing Chapter 7 or Chapter 11 bankruptcy -- to find the outcome most favorable for you.
