July 29, 2021
For most taxpayers, the worst thing that can happen after filing their taxes is having the IRS notify them that their tax return is being audited. What most people do not realize is that there is a time frame for how long the IRS can audit an individual and that taxpayers have a right to dispute an audit if they have proper substantiation. Here is everything you need to know if you are going through an audit.
Typically, the IRS has about three years from the date that a tax return was filed to charge you or assess additional taxes. The three-year timeframe is called the assessment statute of limitations. Tax returns that are flagged typically end up going into audit or the individual will receive notification from the IRS stating that some information on their return was underreported. This notice is called a CP2000.
The IRS procedural policy states that an IRS agent will be required to open and close an audit within 26 months after a tax return has been filed. The IRS strictly adheres to its guidelines to ensure that the audit and other processing needs are complete within the three-year timeframe.
For audits that start a few months after a return is filed, the IRS will typically freeze any refunds. The IRS will have to pay interest on refunds that are sent out late, which is why the IRS will attempt to resolve its audit quickly. Once a taxpayer answers the questions regarding their tax return with accuracy, then their refund will be released and sent out.
Audits that happen immediately after filing a tax return typically contain tax credits, earned income tax credits and the child tax credit. The IRS usually wants to verify the filing status, dependents, and other return items before sending your refund.
Optima Tax Relief provides assistance to individuals struggling with unmanageable IRS tax burdens. To assess your tax situation and determine if you qualify for tax relief, contact us for a free consultation.