No one wants to get audited by the IRS. Unfortunately, it's something that could happen to anyone. However, there are certain things you can do to minimize your chances of getting audited. If you want to avoid an audit, you should be aware of these red flags.

This article discusses two things that could trigger an IRS audit.

Failure to Report All Your Income

When you don't report all your income, it creates a discrepancy between what the IRS expects to see on your return and what you report.

The IRS typically relies on third-party information to verify your income, such as 1099 forms from employers or 1099-INT forms from financial institutions. If there's a discrepancy between what the IRS has on record and what you report, it will flag your return for an audit.

The IRS may be more likely to audit you if you're self-employed. That's because self-employed individuals have more opportunities to underreport their income and take advantage of deductions. The IRS may want to verify that you report all your income and take the correct deductions.

To avoid this, keep good records of your income and expenses. Keep receipts, invoices, and other documentation to show how much income you've earned and what expenses you've incurred.

Math Error

There are a few different reasons why a math error might trigger an IRS audit. It could be seen as a red flag for possible fraud. If the IRS suspects that you're deliberately trying to mislead them, they're more likely to take a closer look at your return.

Another reason is that a math error can also indicate that you made other mistakes on your return. If the IRS notices that you've made some minor errors, they may conclude that you're not being careful enough with your finances and decide to audit you.

Finally, math errors can be a case of human error. If you make an honest mistake, the IRS may decide to audit you to verify that everything else on your return is accurate.

Whatever the reason, if you make a math error on your tax return, correct it as soon as possible to avoid triggering an IRS audit.

If you're selected for an audit, the IRS may notify you and give instructions on how to proceed. In some cases, you may be able to resolve the issue without the need for IRS audit representation. However, if the audit is complex or you disagree with the IRS's findings, you may want to seek professional help.