[javascript protected email address] | Phone: 903-567-4909 | www.SheilaKightCPA.com

Avoid These Small Business IRS Audit Mistakes

Avoid These Small Business IRS Audit Mistakes Image

Businesses that are slowly emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic should now keep their eye on another looming obstacle: IRS audits. In late 2020, the IRS announced that it will increase tax audits of small businesses by 50 percent in 2021. Here are several mistakes to avoid if you do get audited by Uncle Sam.

  • Mistake: Missing income. A long history of investigating has led IRS auditors to focus on under-reported income. If you’re a business that handles cash, expect greater scrutiny from the IRS. The same is true if you generate miscellaneous income that’s reported to the IRS on 1099 forms. Be proactive by tracking and documenting all income from whatever source. Invoices, sales receipts, profit and loss statements, bank records—all can be used to substantiate income amounts.
  • Mistake: Higher than normal business losses. Some small businesses struggle in the early years before becoming profitable. If your company’s bottom line never improves, the IRS may view your enterprise as a hobby and subsequently disallow certain deductions. As a general rule, you must earn a profit in three of the past five years to be considered a legitimate business.
  • Mistake: Deductions lacking substantiation. Do you really use your home office exclusively for business? Does your company earn only $50,000 a year but claim charitable donations of $10,000? Do you write off auto expenses for your only car? The key to satisfying auditors is having clear and unequivocal documentation. They want source documents such as mileage logs that match the amount claimed on your tax return and clearly show a business purpose. If you can’t locate a specific record, look for alternative ways to support your tax return filings. In some cases, a vendor or landlord might have copies of pertinent records.
  • Mistake: No expense reports. If you use your credit card for business, create an expense report with account numbers and attach it to each statement. Then attach copies of the bills that support the charges. This is an easy place to blend in personal expenses with business expenses and auditors know it.
  • Mistake: No separate books, bank accounts or statements. Never run personal expenses through business accounts and vise versa. Have separate bank accounts and credit cards. A sure sign of asking for trouble is not keeping the business separate from personal accounts and activities.
  • Mistake: Treat the auditor as an enemy. Auditors have a job to do, and it’s in your best interest to make their task as painless as possible. Try to maintain an attitude of professional courtesy. If you’re called to their office, show up on time and dress professionally. If they come to your place of business, instruct staff to answer questions honestly and completely.

Please call if you either need help preparing for an upcoming IRS audit or would like to know how to audit-proof your financial records.

Last updated: 07/09/2021

Have questions? Contact us.

Sheila A Kight CPA, PC
141 Eubank Drive, PO Box 280 | Canton, TX 75103
www.SheilaKightCPA.com | [javascript protected email address]
Phone: 903-567-4909 | Fax: 903-567-2465

© 2024 | Terms of use

Sheila A Kight CPA, PC COVID-19 Tax Resource Portal

Terms of Service

The Covid-19 Tax Resource Portal (herein after referred to as "Site") is made available as a service to our clients and others for informational purposes only. These materials and information should not be considered as, or a substitute for, accounting, tax or financial advice. While it is hoped the materials provided here are helpful as background material, it is not warranted either expressly or implied as accurate or complete. You should refrain in taking any action based upon the information provided here until you have received proper counsel.

In addition, you understand that any links to any other web site or services does not constitute endorsement of or warranty of any service, product or information provided on their site(s). These links are provided for convenience only.

While our intent is to make transmissions to and from this web site secure, it is understood that no warranty of security can be made and that unforeseen security breaches by "hackers" is a possibility, however slight.

Reproduction of part or all of the contents on this site in any form is prohibited other than for individual use only. All content on this site is copyright protected and/or trademarked as appropriate and may not be copied, duplicated or altered in any way.

In no event shall Sheila A Kight CPA, PC, its affiliates or suppliers of any content on this site be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, punitive damages or consequential damages of any kind, or any damages whatsoever arising out of or related to your use of the Site, the content and other information obtained therein.

IF YOU DO NOT AGREE TO THE TERMS OF SERVICE, IMMEDIATELY STOP ACCESSING THIS SITE.

© 2020 - 2024. All Rights Reserved.

Close window