When it comes to business taxes, few words make business owners more uneasy than “audit.” The IRS keeps a close eye on certain red flags that can increase the chances of your business getting audited. Here’s a closer look at what triggers these red flags and practical steps you can take to steer clear of them.
1. High Deductions in Key Expense Categories
Claiming high deductions, especially in areas like travel, meals, auto expenses, and home office deductions, can quickly catch the IRS’s attention. These deductions often lack clear boundaries, making them easy audit targets. The IRS wants to ensure you’re only deducting legitimate business expenses, not personal expenses disguised as business tax deductions.
To avoid issues, understand each category well. When in doubt, ask a tax professional for guidance. And remember, it’s not just about claiming what’s allowed—it’s about proving that these expenses were genuinely necessary for your business.
2. Income Discrepancies
If the income reported on your business tax return doesn’t match the 1099 forms the IRS has on file, you’re likely setting off alarm bells. This mismatch is one of the quickest ways to attract an audit. Missing income, especially from 1099s, can easily slip through the cracks if you’re not organized.
Keep impeccable records. Make sure you include every source of income, and if you’re not already using one, consider investing in a reliable accounting software like QuickBooks. Good record-keeping ensures that nothing gets missed and can save you from an audit headache down the road.
3. Recent Regulatory Changes in Reporting
With the IRS receiving a substantial funding increase focused on enforcement, small businesses are squarely in the agency’s sights. Additionally, changes in 1099 reporting requirements mean that businesses now need to report payments of $5,000 or more from third-party platforms like PayPal or Venmo, down from the previous threshold of $20,000. So, expect to receive a 1099 form much sooner if you’re working with these platforms.
For small businesses, this shift means closely tracking all income received through online payment platforms. Stay on top of these changes and consult a tax professional if you’re unsure how to handle the new requirements.
4. Lack of Organized Record-Keeping
The most straightforward way to avoid an audit is to maintain thorough, organized records. In fact, solid record-keeping could be your greatest shield against an audit. Many of the audit horror stories come down to businesses being unable to prove their deductions or expenses because they lacked organized records. Whether it’s mileage logs for vehicle expenses or receipts for meals and travel, having everything in order can be a lifesaver if the IRS comes knocking.
If your records are messy or outdated, it might be time for an internal review. Acting like you’re preparing for an audit—even if you haven’t been flagged—can give you peace of mind and help identify any potential issues before they become real problems.
5. The Consequences of “Cheating” on Deductions
At the end of the day, cheating on your taxes isn’t just unethical—it’s risky. Personal expenses mixed in with business deductions are a recipe for trouble. A few creative deductions might save you some money in the short term, but if the IRS catches wind, you’ll likely end up paying far more in penalties and interest.
One tax professional put it simply: “Don’t cheat.” If you stay honest and organized, you’ll have nothing to fear if the IRS ever takes a closer look. And if you have good records, it’s much easier to defend your deductions.
What Can Go Wrong with Business Taxes
Real-life stories have a way of bringing tax compliance to life. Take, for example, a business owner who got a little creative, attempting to write off personal expenses—like divorce attorney fees—as business deductions. They even went so far as to tweak their credit card statements to shift a $25,000 personal expense to look like a business expense.
When the IRS caught wind, it wasn’t exactly a simple chat—it turned into a deep dive into their finances. A good reminder that keeping personal and business expenses separate isn’t just a best practice—it’s essential.
Then there’s the story of an employee who thought they’d boost the company’s revenue numbers by submitting a few ‘extra’ invoices to help with a loan application. What started as a seemingly harmless decision ended up attracting attention, leading to some tough questions and, eventually, real trouble. These examples underscore why having clear checks and balances in your financials matters.
Organized, honest records don’t just make tax time easier; they’re key to keeping your business running smoothly and avoiding preventable headaches down the road.
Keep Your Records Clean, and Play by the Rules With Business Tax Services
Getting audited doesn’t have to be a nightmare if you’re proactive about maintaining organized records and staying within the lines of tax laws. Don’t cut corners or claim expenses that aren’t legitimate business expenses. An internal audit every year, or consulting with a tax professional, like us here at Pantana CPA, can help catch issues before they catch up with you.
By keeping your records clean, understanding your expenses, and following IRS guidelines, you’ll avoid the red flags that could otherwise lead to an audit—and save yourself some major stress in the process.