IRS Audit Rights
Written in plain language for general understanding. This is educational content, not legal advice. Based on federal statutes and official sources.
What is this right?
If the IRS audits you, you have specific rights under the Taxpayer Bill of Rights. You have the right to know why the IRS is asking for information, the right to be represented by a tax professional, and the right to appeal any IRS decision you disagree with.
An audit does not mean you did anything wrong. The IRS audits returns for many reasons, including random selection, statistical screening, and information matching.
When does it apply?
This right applies when:
- You receive a letter from the IRS saying your return is being examined (audited)
- The IRS requests additional documentation or information about your tax return
- You are selected for a correspondence audit (by mail), office audit, or field audit (at your home or business)
Common misconceptions:
- "An audit means I'm going to jail" — No. Most audits are civil matters about whether you owe additional tax. Criminal prosecution is extremely rare and requires willful intent to defraud.
- "I have to answer every question the IRS asks" — You have the right to have your tax professional present and to decline to answer questions outside the scope of the audit.
- "The IRS can audit any year they want" — Generally, the IRS has 3 years from the filing date to audit a return. It's 6 years if substantial income (over 25%) was omitted. There's no time limit for fraud or unfiled returns.
What should you do?
Step 1: Read the audit letter carefully. It will tell you what year and what items are being examined, and what documents you need to provide.
Step 2: Hire a tax professional. You have the right to be represented by an enrolled agent, CPA, or tax attorney. You do not have to face the IRS alone.
Step 3: Gather your records. Organize receipts, bank statements, and documents related to the items being questioned.
Step 4: Respond by the deadline. Ignoring an audit notice can lead to the IRS making changes to your return without your input (a "default assessment").
Step 5: If you disagree with the findings, you can appeal. You have 30 days from the date of the audit report to file an appeal with the IRS Office of Appeals.
What should you NOT do?
Don't ignore the notice. If you don't respond, the IRS will assess additional tax based on their calculations — which are usually higher than what you'd owe.
Don't volunteer extra information. Answer the questions asked and provide the documents requested — nothing more.
Don't lie or provide falsified documents. This turns a civil matter into a potential criminal case.
Don't agree to extend the statute of limitations without consulting a tax professional. The IRS may ask you to sign Form 872 to extend the audit period — you have the right to refuse.
How District of Columbia differs from federal law
D.C.'s Office of Tax and Revenue (OTR) conducts its own tax audits:
- Audit authority: D.C. OTR can audit D.C. income tax returns independently of the IRS.
- Statute of limitations: D.C. generally has 3 years to assess additional tax, matching the federal period.
- Federal change reporting: You must report IRS audit changes to D.C. OTR within 90 days.
- D.C. Tax Revision Commission: D.C. periodically reviews its tax structure. Recent reforms have simplified some compliance requirements for individual taxpayers.
Additional Steps in District of Columbia
Contact D.C. OTR at (202) 727-4829. File appeals with the D.C. Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH). For unresolved issues, contact the D.C. Taxpayer Advocate.
Relevant Law: D.C. Code § 47-1812 (income tax administration), D.C. Code § 47-4312 (reporting of federal changes)
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