Does the Method of Tax Filing Change IRS Audit Potential?

Posted on April 15, 2014 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

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Will that be a Paper or Electronic Tax Return?

[By Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA CMP™]

dr-david-marcinko5I’ve prepared and filed personal, medical practice as well as PC, S and C corporate tax returns for many years now. I bought my first computer in 1988, participated on dial-up bulletin boards with modem soon thereafter, and have been on the internet since 1995.

But, I do to have a definitive answer to this question.

Two Competing Theories

Some CPAs suggest filing the old-school way if you’re worried about an audit. Why? Paper filing means more work for the IRS to access all the information in your return. Others disagree:

Philosophy in Favor of Paper Returns

Some suggest that a paper tax return might reduce your chance of an audit because the IRS must transcribe your information into a computer by hand. The IRS does not transfer all of the information in your return as a result of the prohibitive cost of transcribing returns. When you file a return electronically, a computer instantly analyzes your return for errors and discrepancies.

Source: http://www.ehow.com/info_8488086_filing-increase-chances-irs-audit.html#ixzz2yh9m8pEy

Philosophy in Favor of Electronic Returns

Filing an electron tax return reduces the number of math mistakes on your return and the chance that the IRS makes a mistake when it transfers data by hand. Overall, electronic returns contain fewer errors than paper returns which increase the chance of audits. Also, the IRS may perform an automatic audit when its electronic scanning system cannot read your handwriting.

Source: http://www.taxdebthelp.com/tax-problems/tax-audit/irs-audit-statistics#ixzz2yLVTp0l1

Tax

Assessment

Remember, your duty as a taxpayer is to be truthful and accurate, but you don’t have to make it easy for the IRS.

Conclusion

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