--- title: "The Dreaded Audit: Who, What, When and Why" description: IRS tax audits are difficult processes for any taxpayer to endure. image: https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/hs-fs/file-250481191-jpg/images/auditstamp2-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 # The Dreaded Audit: Who, What, When and Why By Top Tax Staff | Mar 30, 2012 6:00:00 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%2F132065%2Fthe-dreaded-audit-who-what-when-and-why%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%2F132065%2Fthe-dreaded-audit-who-what-when-and-why%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%2F132065%2Fthe-dreaded-audit-who-what-when-and-why%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.toptaxdefenders.com%2Fblog%2Fbid%2F132065%2Fthe-dreaded-audit-who-what-when-and-why%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&source=tweetbutton&text=The%20Dreaded%20Audit%3A%20Who%2C%20What%2C%20When%20and%20Why) [![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%2F132065%2Fthe-dreaded-audit-who-what-when-and-why%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%2F132065%2Fthe-dreaded-audit-who-what-when-and-why%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail%20&body=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww.toptaxdefenders.com%2Fblog%2Fbid%2F132065%2Fthe-dreaded-audit-who-what-when-and-why%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail) ![5 Things You Need to Fight an IRS Audit](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/hs-fs/hubfs/5%20Things%20You%20Need%20to%20Fight%20an%20IRS%20Audit.jpg?width=1000&name=5%20Things%20You%20Need%20to%20Fight%20an%20IRS%20Audit.jpg) [IRS tax audits](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/a-complete-guide-to-the-irs-audit-process) are difficult processes for any taxpayer to endure. Unfortunately, some tax returns tend to get audited more frequently than others. Finding out which types of returns are likely to get audited can help some taxpayers prepare themselves for a possible audit. If your account is one that is flagged for an audit you'll also need to enlist [qualified audit representation](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/tax-solutions/audit-representation) to assist you during the procedure. **[![ARE YOU CLAIMING ALL THE TAX CREDITS YOU COULD BE? DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE COMPLETE GUIDE TO IRS TAX CREDITS »](https://hubspot-no-cache-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/139062/1127c4ea-4332-4cca-a2bb-33b200f10799.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/139062/1127c4ea-4332-4cca-a2bb-33b200f10799)**   **Potential Audit Red Flags** The vast majority of American taxpayers won't ever be audited since the IRS tends not to audit average income returns. However, individuals who report an income of $1 million or more are far more likely to receive a deeper review by the IRS. The agency also tends to audit returns that report a far larger amount of deductions than income. In addition, claiming specific tax credits may also tend to cause your return to be audited. The Earned Income Credit and the Adoption Credit are two credits that are often fraudulently claimed so the IRS is far more likely to audit returns that claim these particular credits. However, if you're entitled to these credits you shouldn't hold back from claiming them for fear of an audit. **How to Handle an Audit** If you are one of the few who are flagged for an audit it's always best to get professional audit representation. The IRS may conduct a lengthy and thorough investigation into your financial circumstances so you'll need all the help you can get to sort through your finances and gather any supporting documentation and receipts. When you're searching for a professional tax expert to assist you in your audit, seek out a qualified resolution specialist with experience in handling audits. If your return includes an unresolved tax debt of $20,000 or more you're in particular need of expert [audit representation](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/tax-solutions/audit-representation/). [![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)   **Correcting a Preparation Mistake** Many IRS tax audits are caused by improper reporting or mistakes during the tax preparation process. To avoid these errors it's important that you read the form instructions carefully and double check your figures to make sure you avoid reporting incorrect totals. If you're audited due to an error on your return, however, you may be able to avoid getting hit with additional penalties if you come clean to the IRS right away. An IRS tax audit can be a harrowing experience but you may be able to avoid one altogether. By carefully preparing your forms, checking your figures and only claiming deductions to which you're entitled.   [![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/132065/the-dreaded-audit-who-what-when-and-why#) ### 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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