WHILE my audit tips usually focus on how you—the taxpayer—should conduct yourself, let’s look at how IRS agents are trained to conduct themselves when they interview you. Let’s change roles and learn how they work you over, I mean, work with you—from the agent’s perspective.
IRS auditors are trained to:
• Maintain a friendly and professional demeanor.
• Maintain control of the interview. Establish pace and direction.
• Establish rapport with you, the taxpayer.
• Continually assess whether the taxpayer is giving relevant information or merely stalling.
• Look for pertinent leads. Follow up any answer that is not to the point.
• Concentrate more on the answer than on the next question.
• Ask questions that require narrative answers.
• Give some latitude while recognizing that an IRS audit is often once-in-a-lifetime experience for the taxpayer who may be may be tense.
• Use an outline. Remember though that an outline should not keep you from spontaneous questioning. Provide enough leeway to cope with unexpected situations that may occur.
• Develop leads that may arise—leads for more issues and mas dinero for the government.
There you are. This is how IRS head office trains their agents to interview you. Keep these 10 tips handy for your next audit. n
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Victor Santos Sy graduated Cum Laude from UE with a BBA and from Indiana State University with an MBA. Vic worked with SyCip, Gorres, Velayo (SGV – Andersen Consulting) and Ernst & Young before establishing Sy Accountancy Corporation in Pasadena, California.
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He has 50 years of experience in defending taxpayers audited by the IRS, FTB, EDD, BOE and other governmental agencies. He is publishing a book on his expertise – “HOW TO AVOID OR SURVIVE IRS AUDITS.” Our readers may inquire about the book or email tax questions at [email protected].