Everybody is fearful of the possibility that some day they will get a letter from the Internal Revenue Service that they are going to be audited. What should you do now? How should you handle this situation?
While many people are fearful once they realize that the IRS will be asking to see their accounting files and expense reports, the fact of the matter is that the best advice you can get is to stay calm and gather the information that you need. You ought to be thorough and as precise as you can and not worry yourself about the situation.
Before choosing to just set this aside for another day, take a few minutes and think about what you should do now. It is a good idea to call the IRS office to find out what is going on and what day they are wanting to meet with you to go over the paperwork. Making this one phone call will help shed some light on the situation and will aid in helping you to decide how to proceed.
Remember when you are on the phone with the IRS representative that it is not their fault you are being audited. They are simpliy answering the phone and trying to help you. If you have been up front and honest about your situation, there really is no reason to be worried.
If you need some additional time to get all your information together, you can ask for a postponement. A postponement can be asked for and granted in many circumstances. Also, if you have be upfront with the IRS you stand a better chance of getting the postponement granted. Now this is very important: do not postpone calling until the last minute either! Get on the phone and get your request in early. Explain to them that you need more time to get the information together.
In Closing
Finally, it's important to recognize that just about all audits are merely called for because of small mistakes. You probably added up or deducted incorrectly, or wrote down the information on the wrong line. That type of matter happens daily. This audit advice is to not be afraid, be honest about what is going on, and then fix the mistake. By approaching the situation with a positive attitude, the IRS auditor will be willing to work with you. Despite popular belief they are human too.
While many people are fearful once they realize that the IRS will be asking to see their accounting files and expense reports, the fact of the matter is that the best advice you can get is to stay calm and gather the information that you need. You ought to be thorough and as precise as you can and not worry yourself about the situation.
Before choosing to just set this aside for another day, take a few minutes and think about what you should do now. It is a good idea to call the IRS office to find out what is going on and what day they are wanting to meet with you to go over the paperwork. Making this one phone call will help shed some light on the situation and will aid in helping you to decide how to proceed.
Remember when you are on the phone with the IRS representative that it is not their fault you are being audited. They are simpliy answering the phone and trying to help you. If you have been up front and honest about your situation, there really is no reason to be worried.
If you need some additional time to get all your information together, you can ask for a postponement. A postponement can be asked for and granted in many circumstances. Also, if you have be upfront with the IRS you stand a better chance of getting the postponement granted. Now this is very important: do not postpone calling until the last minute either! Get on the phone and get your request in early. Explain to them that you need more time to get the information together.
In Closing
Finally, it's important to recognize that just about all audits are merely called for because of small mistakes. You probably added up or deducted incorrectly, or wrote down the information on the wrong line. That type of matter happens daily. This audit advice is to not be afraid, be honest about what is going on, and then fix the mistake. By approaching the situation with a positive attitude, the IRS auditor will be willing to work with you. Despite popular belief they are human too.
About the Author:
Hubert Miles is a free lance writer and webmaster for several financial websites. For more information on Personal Finance Articles and Money Articles.
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