Any bookkeeping, business or tax article contained in this communication, including attachments and enclosures, is not intended as a thorough, in-depth analysis of specific issues, nor a substitute for a formal opinion, nor can it be used to avoid tax-related penalties. If desired, we would be pleased to perform the requisite research and provide you with a detailed written analysis. Such an engagement may be the subject of a separate engagement letter that would define the scope and limits of the desired consultation services.

Businesses Can Review the Same Information IRS Uses to Examine Tax Returns

The IRS uses Audit Techniques Guides (ATGs) to help IRS examiners get ready for audits. Your business can use the same guides to gain insight into what the IRS is looking for in terms of compliance with tax laws and regulations.

Many ATGs target specific industries or businesses, such as construction, aerospace, art galleries, childcare providers and veterinary medicine. Others address issues that frequently arise in audits, such as executive compensation, passive activity losses, and capitalization of tangible property.

How They’re Used

IRS auditors need to examine all types of businesses, as well as individual taxpayers and tax-exempt organizations. Each type of return might have unique industry issues, business practices and terminology. Before meeting with taxpayers and their advisors, auditors do their homework to understand various industries or issues, the accounting methods commonly used, how income is received, and areas where taxpayers may not be in compliance.

By using a specific ATG, an auditor may be able to reconcile discrepancies when reported income or expenses aren’t consistent with what’s normal for the industry or to identify anomalies within the geographic area in which the business is located.

For example, one ATG focuses specifically on businesses that deal in cash, such as auto repair shops, car washes, check-cashing operations, gas stations, laundromats, liquor stores, restaurants., bars, and salons. The “Cash Intensive Businesses” ATG tells auditors “a financial status analysis including both business and personal financial activities should be done.” It explains techniques such as:

  • How to examine businesses with and without cash registers,
  • What a company’s books and records may reveal,
  • How to analyze bank deposits and checks written from known bank accounts,
  • What to look for when touring a business,
  • Ways to uncover hidden family transactions,
  • How cash invoices found in an audit of one business may lead to another business trying to hide income by dealing mainly in cash.

Auditors are obviously looking for cash-intensive businesses that underreport their cash receipts but how this is uncovered varies. For example, when examining restaurants or bar, auditors are told to ask about net profits compared to the industry average, spillage, pouring averages, and tipping.

Learn the Red Flags

Although ATGs were created to help IRS examiners ferret out common methods of hiding income and inflating deductions, they also can help businesses ensure they aren’t engaging in practices that could raise audit red flags. Contact us if you have questions about your business. For a complete list of ATGs, visit the IRS website here: https://bit.ly/2rh7umD

SHARE THIS POST NOW:
Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on linkedin
Share on email
Share on print

Read more

Introduction Tax season is often stressful for small business owners. With deadlines looming and complex requirements, many …

The Questions You Can’t Afford to Skip   Hiring a bookkeeper is a critical decision for your …

Introduction As the year draws to a close, small business owners often find themselves buried in receipts, …

CONNECT WITH US TODAY!

Address:
24044 Cinco Village Center Blvd #100

Katy, TX 77494

Phone:
(713)-855-8035

Email:
admin@fas-accountingsolutions.com

Sign up for our Newsletter 

Let’s stay connected! You will receive updates straight to your inbox.

IRS Audit Technique Guide