Dan Pilla of taxhelponline.com.The IRS has begun an aggressive program of random audits. Starting in October 2007, the IRS is selecting 13,000 random citizens for its National Research Audit Program. And every year for next three years, the IRS will select 13,000 more tax returns for what could be a grueling, line-by-line examination. The results of these audits will then be used to guide audit selection computers for the wide-scale audit process. As the IRS increases its audit presence on a regular basis, the chances of you being audited increase each day. That’s why you should know the audit basics. First, you have the burden of proof. You have to prove all your deductions are proper. You need your records to do this. Second, you don’t have to agree with the audit results. A simple protest letter will start an appeal where citizens win their cases most of the time. Finally, you always have the right to counsel. If you need help, you can stop the audit at any time and get professional help.
