IRS Office Audit Response

What an Office Audit Means

An office audit is an in-person examination conducted at a local IRS office. You will meet with an IRS examiner to discuss specific items on your tax return and provide supporting documentation.

Office audits are more comprehensive than correspondence audits but less extensive than field audits. They typically involve multiple deductions, business activities, or complex return items.

Why You Were Selected

Office audits are typically triggered by:

• Substantial business income or expenses requiring detailed review
• Multiple deductions or credits under examination
• Complex transactions that require in-person explanation
• Prior audit history or pattern of questionable items
• Participation in tax avoidance schemes identified by the IRS

Office audits require advance preparation and organized documentation.

What NOT to Do

• Do not arrive unprepared or without requested documents
• Do not volunteer information beyond what is requested
• Do not argue or become defensive with the examiner
• Do not bring original tax records (bring copies only)
• Do not agree to extend the statute of limitations without understanding the implications
• Do not assume the examiner has access to your records

What to Do Next

Review the examination notice to understand which items are under review. Organize all requested documents in chronological order with clear labels. Prepare a written summary of each item under examination with references to supporting documents.

Bring only the documents requested. Answer questions directly and factually. If you do not know an answer, state that you will provide the information in writing after the meeting.

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