--- title: 10 Common Audit Triggers description: Nobody likes to get audited by the IRS. While the prospect of an audit is bad news, the good news is that you can avoid an audit by learning about 10 image: https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/hs-fs/file-249545317-jpg/images/taxtextrainingmoney-resized-600.jpg --- [(866)866-1555](tel:866-866-1555) | [Contact](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/contact-us) [![Top Tax Defenders](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/hs-fs/hubfs/images/nov_15/ttd_logo_test_new.png?width=314&height=64&name=ttd_logo_test_new.png "Top Tax Defenders")](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com) # Tax Matters - The Top Tax Defenders Blog # 10 Common Audit Triggers By Top Tax Staff | Jan 13, 2012 10:26:00 AM | [IRS Audit](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/blog/topic/irs-audit) [![Share on Facebook](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/facebook-24x24.png)](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.toptaxdefenders.com%2Fblog%2Fbid%2F112585%2F10-common-audit-triggers%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) [![Share on LinkedIn](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/linkedin-24x24.png)](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.toptaxdefenders.com%2Fblog%2Fbid%2F112585%2F10-common-audit-triggers%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dlinkedin) [![Share on Twitter](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/twitter-24x24.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.toptaxdefenders.com%2Fblog%2Fbid%2F112585%2F10-common-audit-triggers%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.toptaxdefenders.com%2Fblog%2Fbid%2F112585%2F10-common-audit-triggers%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&source=tweetbutton&text=10%20Common%20Audit%20Triggers) [![Share on Pinterest](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/pinterest-24x24.png)](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.toptaxdefenders.com%2Fblog%2Fbid%2F112585%2F10-common-audit-triggers%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dpinterest&media=) [![Share on Email](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/email-24x24.png)](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww.toptaxdefenders.com%2Fblog%2Fbid%2F112585%2F10-common-audit-triggers%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail%20&body=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww.toptaxdefenders.com%2Fblog%2Fbid%2F112585%2F10-common-audit-triggers%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail) ![10 Common Audit Triggers](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/hs-fs/hubfs/10%20Common%20Audit%20Triggers.jpg?width=999&name=10%20Common%20Audit%20Triggers.jpg) Nobody likes to get audited by the IRS. While the prospect of an audit is bad news, the good news is that you can avoid an audit by learning about 10 common audit triggers. **Not Reporting All of Your Income** One of the biggest red flags for the IRS is failing to report all of your taxable income. If you get income from a source other than wages and salaries be sure to include that on your return as well. [![Are you facing an IRS audit? Download our FREE guide to fighting your audit today >>](https://hubspot-no-cache-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/139062/3167b0df-b415-41d8-91a1-bb5b88167412.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/139062/3167b0df-b415-41d8-91a1-bb5b88167412) **Taking Large Deductions for Charitable Donations** Noncash [charitable donations are notoriously difficult for the IRS to track](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/blog/understanding-the-tax-implications-of-donations). When you claim an inordinately high amount of charitable donations without supporting documents you may risk an audit. **Operating a Cash Business** If you receive a large amount of your self-employment income through cash payments, you may be particularly at risk for an audit. Make sure you report all of your income and tips and keep good documentation. **Mathematical Errors on Your Return** Common math mistakes on your return and schedules can cause you to get audited. Taking your time when preparing your forms and double-checking your work can help you avoid making errors that will draw the attention of the IRS to your return. **Claiming High Business Losses** If you report a large business loss on your return, expect the IRS to have some questions about your business. Since business losses drastically reduce your taxable income, the IRS may have doubts about the veracity of your claim. **Excessive Self-Employment Deductions** Another big audit flag for self-employed taxpayers is deducting large amounts of business expenses. Be sure to keep good records and receipts to back up your deductions in case your return is flagged. **Taking the Home Office Deduction** The [home office deduction](https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/how-small-business-owners-can-deduct-their-home-office-from-their-taxes) allows taxpayers who use a dedicated space in their home exclusively for business to deduct a percentage of their mortgage expenses, utilities, and repairs as a business expense. It's easy for a taxpayer to claim that a space is used for business when it's actually a guestroom, so IRS agents frequently audit returns that claim this deduction. **Claiming an Automobile was Exclusively Used in Business** The IRS is also suspicious of taxpayers who claim they use their vehicles exclusively for business so that they can write off the car expenses on their self-employment income. Again, good records and receipts can protect you in case of an audit due to claiming this deduction. **Deducting Travel Expenses** Travel expenses can only be deducted when they are incurred in the course of business. Meals, entertainment and lodging may be deductible to a certain extent, but since some individuals exaggerate these numbers, the IRS tends to investigate these claims. [![DO YOU NEED IRS TAX HELP? SCHEDULE A FREE CONSULTATION WITH OUR TAX EXPERTS »](https://hubspot-no-cache-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/139062/758dc20d-7fa2-4e2a-a2ae-b124ff4cd561.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/139062/758dc20d-7fa2-4e2a-a2ae-b124ff4cd561) **Claiming a High Amount of Itemized Deductions** If you claim an unusually high number of itemized deductions, you may also be audited. This is particularly true for taxpayers whose deductions are much larger than their taxable income. The best way to protect yourself against these 10 common audit triggers is to keep excellent records of your income and deductions. In case you are audited, seek the assistance of a qualified [tax resolution](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/) professional or certified public accountant for qualified [audit representation](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/tax-solutions/audit-representation/).   [![eBook---audit-graphic-download](https://hubspot-no-cache-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/139062/49ee9f6d-3e31-45bb-8e3c-2949d930c1b1.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/139062/49ee9f6d-3e31-45bb-8e3c-2949d930c1b1) COMMENTS ### SUBSCRIBE VIA EMAIL ### POSTS BY TOPIC - [Tax Tips and Help (287)](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/blog/topic/tax-tips-and-help) - [IRS Collections (121)](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/blog/topic/irs-collections) - [IRS Audit (72)](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/blog/topic/irs-audit) - [Tax Credits and Deductions (69)](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/blog/topic/tax-credits-and-deductions) - [Tax Resolution (62)](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/blog/topic/tax-resolution) - [Business Taxes (53)](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/blog/topic/business-taxes) - [Back Taxes (51)](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/blog/topic/back-taxes) - [Wage Garnishment (22)](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/blog/topic/wage-garnishment) - [Tax Levies (19)](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/blog/topic/tax-levies) - [IRS Payment Plans (15)](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/blog/topic/irs-payment-plans) - [Tax Liens (14)](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/blog/topic/tax-liens) - [Offer in Compromise (9)](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/blog/topic/offer-in-compromise) - [Unfiled Tax Returns (9)](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/blog/topic/unfiled-tax-returns) - [IRS Tax Attorneys (7)](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/blog/topic/irs-tax-attorneys) - [Asset Seizure (6)](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/blog/topic/asset-seizure) - [Tax Evasion (6)](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/blog/topic/tax-evasion) - [Criminal Tax Defense (4)](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/blog/topic/criminal-tax-defense) - [Innocent Spouse Relief (4)](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/blog/topic/innocent-spouse-relief) [see all](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/blog/bid/112585/10-common-audit-triggers#) ### RECENT ARTICLES ### POPULAR ARTICLES Aenean sollicitudin, lorem quis bibendum auctor, nisi elit consequat ipsum. 11222 Richmond Avenue Suite 235, Houston, TX 77082 Copyright 2026 Top Tax Defenders. 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