If the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) believes your inconsistent tax filings warrant investigation, call our Phoenix attorneys today for guidance and support. The IRS combines data analytics with human review to check for problems in your tax submission. If anything appears incorrect or suspicious, it may subject your tax return to an audit. You could end up owing back taxes and penalties that significantly impact your finances, so it is in your best interest to consult with a tax audit attorney.
Common Reasons for IRS Scrutiny
The IRS’s Phoenix office may choose to investigate further if it finds the following inconsistencies in your tax return:
- Income mismatches: Differences between the figures that you and your employer, bank, or investment firm report
- Significant or unusual deductions: Deductions or credits that are disproportionately high compared to typical norms for similar taxpayers
- Mathematical errors: Miscalculations, missing schedules, or mismatched totals that cause discrepancies
- Unreported income: Omitted rental, freelance, or investment income
- Inconsistent filing history: Changes in filing status, dependents, or prior year carryovers that do not match previous returns
- Round numbers or repetitive patterns: Suspiciously uniform numbers that could indicate potentially inaccurate or fabricated figures
What Are the Potential Consequences?
Discrepancies on a tax return could lead to serious consequences, ranging from audits by the IRS Phoenix office, to penalties and interest. Automated systems detect mismatched information, such as differences between income reported by employers, banks, or other financial institutions and what appears on your return. Even minor errors can result in a correspondence audit, while larger or repeated inconsistencies may prompt more comprehensive office or field audits.
If the IRS determines that your errors are due to negligence or intentional misreporting, it may assess you for accuracy-related penalties, interest on underpaid taxes, or, in extreme cases, criminal charges for tax fraud.
In addition to financial repercussions, audits are time-consuming and stressful. Maintaining accurate records, double-checking information, and consulting one of our tax attorneys could help prevent these issues in the first place.
How We Could Help When the IRS Identifies Inconsistencies
When the IRS identifies discrepancies on a tax return, having the help of one of our Phoenix-based lawyers could make a significant difference. We could review the discrepancies, gather supporting documentation, and communicate directly with the IRS on your behalf. We could help ensure that explanations are accurate, complete, and professionally presented, thereby reducing the risk of penalties or further investigation.
We could also evaluate whether errors may result in additional liabilities and advocate for payment plans or penalty reductions, if necessary. In cases where audits escalate, we could provide representation throughout any office or field audits, minimizing your stress at a challenging time.
Contact a Phoenix Lawyer About Addressing Discrepancies in Your IRS Tax Returns
Inconsistent tax filings can lead to stressful encounters with the IRS. Our experienced tax controversy lawyers at Dayes Law Firm know what to look for, how to address it, and what needs to be done to resolve an audit without it leading to a criminal investigation. Whether you need help responding to notices, submitting amendments, or defending against more serious inquiries, our team provides guidance every step of the way. Call Dayes Law Firm in Phoenix today for a consultation regarding your inconsistent tax filings.
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