What Do I Do if I Receive an IRS Payroll Tax Audit?
IRS audits are every business owner’s nightmare—but they don’t have to be. An IRS payroll tax audit is a process by which the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) reviews an employer’s payroll tax returns filed to ensure that all taxes have been properly calculated and reported. Receiving an IRS payroll tax audit notice can be a stressful and overwhelming experience for any employer.
Tax Liability: Understanding the Cause of an Audit
Employers are required to withhold taxes from their employees’ paychecks, including federal income tax, Social Security, and Medicare taxes. The employer is also responsible for matching these withheld amounts and making timely deposits to the government.
If the employer fails to accurately withhold taxes or fails to make timely deposits, they may face penalties and interest, which will increase their liability and potential tax exposure.
In the event of an IRS payroll tax audit, the employer may be found to have underpaid taxes, which will increase their liability. It is important for employers to have accurate and complete records, as well as to seek the guidance of a professional tax advisor or CPA firm to ensure they fulfill their liability obligations.
Understanding the IRS Audit Notice
Explanation of the Notice and its Significance
The IRS has several types of payroll tax audits, including a correspondence audit, office audit, and field audit. A correspondence audit is conducted through the mail, while an office audit is conducted at an IRS office and involves a face-to-face meeting with IRS employees or an IRS revenue agent.
A field audit is the most comprehensive type of audit and involves an on-site visit to your place of business. It is important to understand the type of audit you are facing as this will determine the extent of the audit and the amount of preparation required.
In addition, it is also important to identify the scope and purpose of the audit, as this will help you determine which records and documentation will be necessary for the audit.
What to do When Receiving a Notice
The IRS will typically send an audit notice indicating the type of audit, the scope of the audit, and the documentation required to support your payroll tax filings. It is crucial to take the time to review the notice and understand what is being requested so that you can provide the right information and documents.
Start by gathering all the records and documentation related to your payroll taxes, including wage and tax statements, payroll records, and other financial records that support your payroll tax filings.
These records should be kept organized and easily accessible for the auditor. Failing to provide the correct documentation can result in a longer audit, additional tax, fines and penalties, or even legal action.
Preparing for the Audit
Seeking Professional Help
When facing an audit, it is important to work with a tax professional or lawyer who has expertise in dealing with the IRS and is familiar with the audit procedure.
A professional tax advisor or lawyer can provide guidance on the types of records and documentation required by the IRS, help prepare and organize the necessary records, and ensure that all responses to the audit are accurate and timely.
Gathering Necessary Documentation
Gathering necessary documentation is a crucial step in preparing for an IRS payroll tax audit. The IRS will request specific financial and payroll records that are relevant to the audit. It is important to gather all relevant records, including, but not limited to, the following:
- Payroll records
- Tax returns
- Bank account statements
- Pay stubs
- Payroll reports
- Any other financial records that pertain to the audit
Understanding the Auditor’s Role and Responsibilities
In order to best prepare for an IRS payroll tax audit, it is important to understand the role and responsibilities of the auditor. The auditor’s role is to examine the payroll tax records and financial statements of a business to perform a compliance check.
The auditor’s primary responsibility is to ensure that the business has accurately reported all wages, tips, and other compensation paid to its employees, as well as the correct amount of taxes withheld and paid to the government.
The auditor will also examine other payroll-related expenses, such as benefits, bonuses, and reimbursement payments, to ensure that they are properly reported and recorded. It is important for businesses to cooperate with the auditor and provide all requested information in a timely and accurate manner to ensure the smooth and efficient resolution of the audit.
While the auditor is not necessarily against you, they are not on your team—all the more reason you should seek professional help.
During the Audit
What to Expect During the Audit Process
After the auditor formally requests documentation and records related to the payroll taxes that are being audited, they will begin reviewing the documentation and records to determine if the business has been reporting and paying the correct amount of payroll taxes.
The auditor may also ask questions and request additional information. Just like the initial request, it is important to be cooperative and provide the requested information in a timely manner.
The auditor’s goal is to ensure that the business is in compliance with the applicable tax laws and regulations. If discrepancies or errors are found, the auditor may make recommendations for correcting them.
Responding to Auditor’s Questions and Requests
A professional can help you proactively prepare documents and proof before the auditor even asks.
It is crucial to take the time to fully understand the auditor’s request and provide the information in a clear and organized manner.
If you are unsure about how to respond to a request, consider seeking the help of a tax professional or lawyer who can guide you through the process and ensure that your response is accurate and compliant with all applicable laws and regulations. Be transparent and forthcoming in your responses.
The Importance of Cooperation and Accuracy
Cooperation and accuracy during an IRS audit is critical. Inaccurate information can lead to additional IRS tax audits, fines, and even legal action against the taxpayer.
If the auditor finds discrepancies in the financial information provided, they may ask for additional documentation and explanations. This can extend the length of the audit and increase the stress on the taxpayer.
On the other hand, cooperation and accuracy can help expedite an audit and resolve any issues quickly and efficiently. It is essential to understand that the auditor’s goal is to ensure that the taxpayer has accurately reported their payroll taxes. If there are any discrepancies, they need to be addressed.
Resolving Audit and Issues With Tax Returns
Common Audit Findings and Resolution Options
In the event of an IRS audit, it is important to be proactive in resolving any audit issues that may arise. The auditor will review your records and may find discrepancies or other areas of concern. Common payroll audit findings include:
- Inaccurate or missing employee information
- Improper classification of employees as independent contractors
- Incorrect calculation of taxes
- Failure to report all employee wages or tips
- Failure to deposit or remit payroll taxes to the government
- Improper reporting of taxable benefits
- Failure to file payroll tax returns promptly
- Mismatched employer and employee Social Security numbers
- Unreported fringe benefits
- Improperly paying employees in cash
Some resolution options include negotiating a settlement with the IRS agent, submitting an amended return, or contesting the audit findings through an administrative appeal or a lawsuit.
In some cases, working with a tax professional or lawyer can help ensure that you are taking the best course of action and can assist in negotiating a settlement. Regardless of the outcome, it is crucial to address audit issues promptly to minimize potential penalties and fines.
The Role of the Taxpayer Representative
A taxpayer representative plays a crucial role in the resolution of audit issues during an IRS payroll tax audit. The representative acts as an intermediary between the taxpayer and the IRS agent, ensuring that the taxpayer’s rights and interests are protected.
An expert will have a thorough understanding of payroll taxes, IRS policies and procedures, and experience in negotiating favorable settlements for their clients.
By having a knowledgeable and experienced taxpayer representative, taxpayers can minimize their tax liability and avoid costly mistakes during an IRS audit.
Concluding the Audit
Receiving the Audit Report
Receiving the audit report marks the conclusion of the IRS audit process. This report will outline the findings of the audit, including any discrepancies or errors found in your payroll taxes. It is important to review the report thoroughly and carefully, as it will serve as the basis for any potential settlements or negotiations with the IRS.
If you disagree with the audit findings, you have the right to appeal the report and dispute any discrepancies.
Understanding Your Rights and Options for Appeal
If you disagree with the audit findings, you have the right to appeal the decision. This process starts with filing a protest within the timeframe specified by the IRS. The protest should include a detailed explanation of the disagreements and any supporting documentation.
Alternatively, you can participate in the appeals conference with a representative of the IRS Office of Appeals. During the appeals conference, both parties will have an opportunity to present their case and come to a resolution. In case of a final decision, you can file a lawsuit in the U.S. Tax Court or seek relief in a federal district court.
Moving Forward and Avoiding Future Tax Audits
Once an IRS payroll tax audit is completed, it is important to take steps to ensure that future IRS tax audits are avoided.
This may include a review of internal processes and procedures to identify and correct any issues that may have led to the original audit. It may also be necessary to implement new systems or controls to prevent similar issues from arising in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Withhold Taxes for Independent Contractors?
In the context of payroll taxes, an independent contractor is a self-employed individual who provides services to a company but is not considered an employee. The company is not responsible for withholding taxes or making Social Security and Medicare contributions for an independent contractor.
However, it is the responsibility of the independent contractor to file a tax return, pay self-employment taxes and report their income to the IRS. If the IRS determines that an individual classified as an independent contractor should have been classified as an employee, the employer may be held responsible for any back taxes, penalties, and interest owed.
If I’m Being Audited, Am I in Legal Trouble?
Being audited by the IRS does not necessarily mean that you are in legal trouble.
However, if the audit uncovers evidence of intentional tax evasion or fraud, legal consequences may ensue. It is important to understand the difference between a routine audit and a criminal investigation. If you are unsure about the nature of your audit, it is recommended to seek the advice of a tax attorney who can help guide you through the process and protect your rights.
Can IRS Agents Go After My Personal Assets?
Whether the IRS can go after your personal assets during an audit depends on the specifics of the audit and the type of liability. In some cases, if the IRS finds that an employer failed to properly collect and remit payroll taxes, they may seek to hold the responsible party personally liable for the owed taxes. This is known as trust fund recovery penalty and it can result in the seizure of personal assets such as bank accounts, real estate, and other valuables to satisfy the debt.
Get Help With IRS Audits and Tax Filing
An IRS payroll tax audit is a complex process that can be stressful and time-consuming for business owners. However, understanding the steps involved in the process and seeking professional help can greatly reduce the burden.
If you are facing an IRS payroll tax audit in Mississippi, Tennessee or surrounding states, call Damiens Law Firm, PLLC at (601) 957-9672 and talk to an experienced tax professional to help with your tax matters. A knowledgeable and experienced tax attorney can help ensure that you are well-prepared and confident throughout the audit process and help you prepare employment tax returns for the next tax year.
