Check out the other audit risks
Income Risk Large Itemized Deductions Unreported Income
Rental Income Self-Employment Home Office
Unreported Alimony Automobile Expenses
High-Risk Tax Audit Areas Related to Self-Employment (Schedule C Filers)
High DIF
IRS computers compare all tax returns to the national Discriminate Information Function (DIF) system average. The IRS calculates the DIF score by using a closely-guarded formula. Tax returns with the highest DIF scores are scrutinized by experienced IRS examining officers who determine which tax returns provide the best chance for collecting additional taxes, interest, and tax penalties.
Self-employed people come under more scrutiny for an audit, because the IRS believes most under-reporting of taxable income and abuse of tax deductions occurs among those who are self-employed. Unfortunately, these individuals are audited by the IRS far more frequently than employees collecting a salary. The IRS publishes manuals to familiarize its auditors with about 100 different businesses, particularly ones that have a high number of self-employed individuals. You can get copies of these guides to further learn how to protect yourself from an audit at:
Audit Guides or call the IRS Freedom of Information Act Reading Room at (202) 622-5164, or write Box 795, Ben Franklin Station, Washington, DC 20044.
Defend Yourself!
You are entitled to take every tax deduction that you qualify for and you should never be scared by the potential of an IRS tax audit. You must use common sense when making decisions about deductions and hire a qualified CPA to help you through the minefield of taxes